All vaping products need to be registered with stricter regulations says Lost Mary

In this interview with Carlson Leong, Country Manager of LOST MARY, Malaysia and Jacques Li, Director of Global Communications, Business News Malaysia asked how is the vaping industry doing in face of the introduction of a new bill to protect youngsters.

Business News: What challenges and issues did the vaping industry face before the introduction of the new bill?

Lost Mary: One of the most alarming issues will be youth protection which is a persistent challenge and a popular topic in most global markets, such as the UK, etc. To emphasize, LOST MARY supports effective legislation and regulations to prevent minors’ purchase and use of our products.

The products are never intended for or marketed towards the underage, such as not using cartoon-related design. Meanwhile, We plan to rename a number of flavours in the global markets. This action takes time and we will continue our efforts in other markets including Malaysia to protect minors. 

LOST MARY branded counterfeits are rampant in the global markets. Registration requirements with strict enforcement will be a way to reduce counterfeits. We suggest all users should purchase vaping products through official channels since unlicensed and unregulated products may contain uncertain substances. 

Customers can use unique authorization codes to verify product authenticity on our official website. 

In addition, we have joined hands with regulators in different markets to crack down on counterfeit manufacturers. And this is a continuous drive, a figure, some 200 manufacturers of counterfeit products were shut down in our raid with Chinese authorities in 2022.

Order and Regulation in the Vaping Industry

How will the bill bring order and regulation to the industry and address current loopholes in existing regulations?

The bill prohibits selling tobacco including vape products to minors and prevents minors from being exposed to vape products in terms of prohibition of advertising. Next, we will establish more comprehensive rules and work closely with the business partners to promote the regulations, prevent underage from entering the vape stores and reaching the vape products. 

Product registration can prevent counterfeits which are rampant in the global markets. 

The bill is very helpful for the longevity and reputation of this industry. If enacted, we will also need to focus on how this law is enforced since having new laws is less of an ultimate goal than having all industry players comply.

What are the potential benefits for businesses, consumers, and public health, and what could be the positive impact on reducing smoking rates, especially among the youth?

Business – Well-regulated market: All vaping products need to be registered with stricter regulations. This rule can help reduce the occurrence of counterfeits. LOST MARY provides unique authorization codes for customers to verify product authenticity on our official website. 

Consumers – Youth protection: To prevent underage from being attracted to vaping products in terms of the prohibition of advertising, promotion and sponsorship. LOST MARY has put much effort into preventing youth from accessing vape products:

Our product packaging contains warning labels.

Our products are not marketed using cartoons, cartoon imagery, anime, or other similar designs.

LOST MARY is scheduled to rename a number of flavors in the global markets. 

Lost Mary and the new rules

How is LOST MARY preparing to comply with the new regulations?

We support the government in their efforts. As a responsible brand, LOST MARY will comply with regulations stipulated by the country in which we operate. LOST MARY will have stricter enforcement of regulations.

Internally, LM will stick to what we have been complying to, and what we have been doing, including avoiding sponsoring the events that may access the underage.

LOST MARY plans to rename a number of flavors in the global markets. This action takes time and we will continue our efforts.

LM will establish more comprehensive rules for both internal and external parties, such as distributors or partners to implement age verification. Meanwhile, LM will take action during the events to prevent product exposure to minors, such as in-time age verification. 

What is the connection between LOST MARY’s entry and the newly proposed regulatory landscape?

Regulatory readiness means that there is a transparent and equal marketplace for all players, esp for the vaping industry that is growing fast. This is also for the benefit of the industry’s long-term growth and longevity. 

As a responsible brand, LOST MARY will comply with regulations stipulated by the country in which we operate. We will always keep a close eye on any updates, seeking detailed information from the respective authorities and maintaining a close relationship with business partners to acquire in-time local feedback.

Compliance

LOST MARY’s perspectives on how the industry can evolve in a regulated environment

Compliance and full cooperation could result in a more stable and better-quality industry overall. Except for creating the bills, they also need enforcement. Having new laws is less of an ultimate goal than having all industry players comply. 

Meanwhile, the responsibility is not only limited to a single brand/brands in the vape industry. In order to reach the final goal,  it is a shared responsibility for the government, family, community, authority and all the stakeholders involved in this industry.

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