South Africa’s tough new smoking laws push ahead

New smoking laws aimed at tightening regulations on tobacco and vaping products are nearing finalisation.

The Portfolio Committee on Health is intensifying its review of South Africa’s Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill.

Committee chairperson Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said the committee concluded its provincial public hearings last month, where it heard from various interested parties, including industry representatives, public health experts, civil society organisations, and members of the public.

The government is now dedicating more time to presentations and discussions with the aim of completing the legislation soon.

The bill has been under deliberation for months following strong opposition from businesses and labour groups.

Initially revived in June 2024 under the new administration, it faced pushback from stakeholders at Nedlac, prompting further consultations, according to IOL.

Despite ongoing divisions among MPs, legal advisers cleared the committee to proceed with the bill on 25 October 2025.

However, pressure from businesses and members of the Government of National Unity (GNU) led to another round of national consultations and public feedback.

Key Changes in the Bill

According to Business Tech, the proposed legislation introduces several significant changes, including:

• Stricter regulations for vapes and e-cigarettes, treating them similarly to traditional tobacco products.
• Plain packaging with graphic health warnings to deter consumers.
• A complete ban on product displays at retail outlets, making it harder for brands to attract customers.
• The elimination of cigarette vending machines, further restricting access.
• 100% smoke-free public indoor spaces and designated outdoor areas.

Dr Dhlomo said the committee understood the significant public health implications of tobacco use and the emergence of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).

“We are determined to ensure that the final bill strikes the right balance between protecting public health and addressing the socioeconomic considerations,” he said.

Growing Controversy

The proposed laws have sparked debate among business groups concerned about job losses and economic fallout.

According to Vape King, informal traders will be hit hard by the ban on single-stick cigarette sales, while retailers argue that prohibiting product displays could make some businesses unviable.

There is also concern that these restrictions could fuel the illicit cigarette market, like what happened during the COVID-19 tobacco ban.

Meanwhile, vape industry representatives argue that e-cigarettes should be regulated separately from traditional tobacco products, given their differences.

What’s Next?

The committee acknowledges the complexity of regulating the tobacco and ENDS landscape and are considering the issues.

“We are carefully considering the issues raised by stakeholders, including the need to address illicit trade, mitigate job losses, and explore the potential role of harm reduction, while prioritising the overarching goal of safeguarding public health and reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases,” Dr Dhlomo said.

With more time now being allocated to deliberations, whether further changes will be made remains to be seen.

Do you think these proposed laws are too restrictive?

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