This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Contacts with the tobacco industry during 2019'.



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.