BAT chief Tadeu Marroco is ready to work with regulators on tighter regulations for vapes and other tobacco products. Photo credit: BAT
The newly-appointed c.e.o. of British American Tobacco (BAT), Tadeu Marroco, expressed the need for "enhanced regulations" from governments regarding vaping and other tobacco alternatives, while emphasizing the importance of addressing concerns such as teenage use and the environmental impact of vaping products.
Marroco stated that BAT is eager to collaborate with regulators to tackle these issues and believes that better regulations are necessary. While acknowledging the benefits of transitioning smokers away from traditional cigarettes, he highlights the challenges associated with unregulated products, particularly regarding youth access and environmental implications.
Marroco believes there are opportunities to establish a more equitable regulatory framework.
These comments from Marroco coincide with the tightening restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes in various countries due to concerns raised by medical advisors. Countries like India, Thailand, and Argentina have already implemented complete bans on e-cigarettes.
In the UK, NHS guidelines recognize the potential of vaping to aid smoking cessation, but also caution that it is not entirely risk-free.
Marroco did not provide specific details about his vision for effective regulation. However, he mentioned that BAT, which introduced its disposable vape Vuse Go in 2022, has been cautious in the selection of colors and flavors for their devices, with a focus on targeting adult consumers.