New regulations to limit sale of flavoured vape products, increase sales tax

New regulations around vaping are coming into effect next week in Saskatchewan.

The changes come as a result of the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Amendment Regulations 2021.

As of Sept. 1, the sale of flavoured vapour products will be limited to certain ages and sold only at age-restricted vapour product shops. The move is expected to limit the marketing and availability of these products to youth.

The sales tax charged on vapour products will also increase from six per cent to 20 per cent, per the new Vapour Products Tax (VPT). This will also take effect on Sept. 1 and bring taxation of vapour products in line with that of tobacco and cigarettes.

“Vaping exposes our young people to harmful and addictive chemicals,” said health minister Paul Merriman. “Our government is supporting efforts to reduce youth vaping rates by ensuring fruit and candy flavoured vaping products targeting youth are only sold where youth are not present.”

Deputy premier and minister of finance Donna Harpauer said the introduction of the new regulations shows the government acknowledging that the tobacco and vaping industries are connected.

“We are bringing vaping in line with the taxation of other harmful nicotine and tobacco products sold in Saskatchewan.”

The Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act came into effect in Feb. 2020, aligning regulation of vapour products with tobacco products through measures like restricting the sale of vapour products to individuals aged 18 and older, prohibiting displays of vapour products in stores where youth have access and restricting the use of vapour products in and around public buildings, including schools.