THE Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy (MVIA) has urged the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to extend the deadline for vape devices to comply with SIRIM standards while at the same time review and “refresh” the standards to be in line with international practices.
MVIA’s comments came following the ministry’s move to gazette the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking) of Electronic Cigarette Devices Order 2022 under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011which requires all vape devices to undergo testing and apply for SIRIM certification by Aug 3.
“MVIA believes the announcement to introduce standards for vape devices is a move in the right direction as it will protect the safety of users when it comes to using the vape devices,” commented MVIA’s president Rizani Zakaria.
“However, the timeframe given to industry is very short and unreasonable to complete the process. Typically, the entire process for one product to undergo the testing process and product certification is between three to four months without disruption.”
Following the certification process, industry players will then have to produce mandatory labelling which will also take time, according to Rizani.
“Therefore, given the situation, we sincerely urge the Government to give a longer timeframe until the end of the year for the industry to be given sufficient time to transition and comply.”
Touching on the need for revision of standards, Rizani said the existing standards for vape devices were developed back in 2018/2019. Since their adoption, vape devices have changed and improved significantly thanks to technology and innovation within the industry.
“Given this landscape, we believe the authorities need to both review and refresh the standards quickly. This is to ensure the standards that are adopted in Malaysia would be in-line with international practices and standards,” he stressed.
Additionally, Rizani also urged the Health Ministry (MOH) to quickly issue guidelines and directive on product ingredients for vape liquids given the delay in tabling the bill meant to regulate vape products in the Parliament.
“While the Government has just gazetted the standards for device, there is no regulation on vape liquids. The MOH has announced that a bill will be tabled in Parliament by July this year to regulate vape liquids,” he explained.
“On this front, the Government should immediately issue guidelines and directive on product ingredients for vape liquids, especially those with nicotine to include the nicotine level allowed by amending the Poisons Act 1952 to enable nicotine vaping liquids to be regulated in the interim while waiting for the new bill to be passed.”
This will further protect the safety of vape users as industry players will need to comply with the safety and quality standards for vape liquids with nicotine. At the same time, the Government can also collect tax revenue from the products. – April 21, 2022
