Ref. Ares(2020)771574 - 06/02/2020
Ref. Ares(2019)5749787 - 13/09/2019
To:
(TAXUD);
(TAXUD)
Cc:
(TAXUD); TAXUD UNIT C2
Subject:
Meeting report with the German Association of Vapers, September 10 2019
Participants:
,
German Association of Vapers BfTG,
, Simply Europe
EC Taxud C2:
Main points :
•
Presentation of the association
is managing director of
, a German e-cigarette company.
of the German association of vapers BfTG, an association of small and medium-sized
retailers and manufacturers of e-cigarettes and e-liquids.
of the newly created European e-cigarette federation, Independent European
Vape Alliance (IEVA) which bring together some national associations and companies. It was noted that
is also a member of this association.
clarified that he is also the spokesperson for the European Citizens Initiative asking for
smart regulation of vaping. It was noted that
is supporting this initiative and is a board
member.
•
Market trends
explained that the market for e-cigarettes in Europe is essentially centred around small
and medium businesses. He explained that most of the hardware is being imported from China, where
most of the innovation is taking place. E-liquids are now mainly manufactured in Europe. He noted that
consumers are price sensitive. He noted the trend for DIY solutions and to purchase the hardware online
from Chinese websites delivered via the postal network.
He noted the environmental impact of e-cigarettes.
•
Regulation
argued that e-cigarettes are developed exclusively for adult smokers. He referred to a DE
study which found that 99 percent of all e-cigarette users are current or former tobacco smokers. This is
based on customers of specialist e-cigarette shops.
discussed the degree of harmfulness of e-cigarette. He explained the registration process
that companies have to go through under the TPD2.
He noted that small and medium businesses are not in the same position as the big tobacco industry to
handle regulation. He added that internet purchases are also heavily regulated in DE, and that despite
this internet shopping is increasing.
•
Directive 2011/64/EU on the structure and rates of excise duty applied to manufactured
tobacco :
We took note of the association’s position on the taxation of e-cigarettes.
We noted that almost half of the EU Member States have introduced a tax regime for e-cigarettes.
We provided for a clarification of the timing of the external study and the evaluation of the Directive.