Carreras unhappy with decision

THE Ministry of Health has banned the importation of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), with immediate effect.

The ministry, meanwhile, warned that the Jamaica Customs Agency would not allow clearance of electronic cigarettes with liquid cartridges or replacement liquid cartridges from the ports.

In a release to the media yesterday, the agency said the ban on the importation of the e-cigarettes was due to health concerns.

“The prohibition of the clearance or sale of these items, according to the Ministry of Health, was due to the absence of submission of supporting information that would allow for the appropriate assessment for safety approval,” the release stated.

The agency said it was advised by the health ministry that e-cigarettes “have not been fully investigated and that the nicotine content delivered to the user is not yet known. In light of this, they are not aware of the health risks that the user may be exposed to, or the benefits associated with the use of e-cigarettes,” the agency said.

The agency warned that it would be enforcing the directive from the Ministry of Health until further notice is given.

However, the ban has not gone down well with the cigarette company Carreras, which described the move a continuation of a recent practice of unilateral decisions taken on fundamental matters which impact thousands of Jamaicans and businesses without reference and approval from either the Cabinet or Parliament.

Carreras, in a release to the media, rued the fact that Health Minister Fenton Ferguson had given the assurance that he would be making motions in Parliament to amend the Public Health Act, despite having the powers as minister to amend the law without the approval of the nation’s legislators.

Fenton had given the assurance during his announcement on the ban on smoking in public places in July last year. “Was this decision to ban the importation of e-cigarettes presented to the Parliament of Jamaica for a positive or negative vote?” the company asked.

Carreras also called on the minister of industry, trade and commerce to have dialogue with Ferguson about the negative impact the ban will have on sections of the business community.