More than ever, let's stay mobilized!
In the very eventful sequence of the last two months in the French National Assembly and Senate, taxation of vaping was finally ruled out. FIVAPE worked hard for this. But unfortunately, the subject will come up again, probably as early as January.
In the course of its many exchanges with decision-makers and institutions, FIVAPE has perfectly identified the forces at work to tax vaping. The tobacco industry is working at every level to destabilize the fight against smoking and curb the growth of vaping, which has already cost it millions of customers and is the worst threat it has ever faced.
It is totally impossible for FIVAPE to consider the slightest "connivance" with the tobacco industry. As the No. 1 cessation aid, vape must keep as far away as possible from tobacco in all its forms. This is the only way to keep the doors open to discussion and ensure that our arguments are heard. This is the only way for professionals who are independent of the tobacco industry to make the most of their assets and play an active part in what motivates us: the fight against smoking. France still has 15 million smokers to convince.
Let's remember, therefore, that there is no such thing as an "acceptable" tax, however minimal it may be, because our opponents' priority is to shift control of our product category from the Ministry of Health to Bercy. Restricting distribution channels by means of a restrictive and cumbersome excise structure would leave no room for health authorities to position vape in their future anti-smoking policies.
Taxation is not the only subject under discussion. At WHO, in Europe and in France, strong signals continue to alert us to plans to ban flavors, as well as to the desire for monopolistic regulation of nicotine. The blind support of certain anti-smoking organizations for these deleterious measures raises serious questions, and requires our mobilization to fight against these unlikely alliances of positions.
The months and years ahead are crucial for the future of our industry. We must remain mobilized and united against the influence of the tobacco industry and all its "allies" who seek to deviate from, or even exterminate vaping, their best enemy.
Let's all join forces to strengthen our legitimacy and fight the battles that lie ahead. Now, more than ever, is the time to join FIVAPE!
The whole team wishes you a very happy holiday season.
Jean MOIROUD
President of FIVAPE
