Vaping Association Opposes Proposed Flavour Bans

The group argues that new restrictions will drive consumers toward an illicit market that already accounts for 30% of sales.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Asthma

Vaping Association Opposes Proposed Flavour Bans

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Should the government ban specific flavours of vaping products to curb youth usage?

The Canadian Vaping Association is lobbying against proposed federal bans on vaping flavours, suggesting that current regulations under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act are sufficient. The association maintains that prohibition will increase illicit trade rather than reducing overall demand.

Why it matters

The industry group contends that existing rules are effective given the significant drop in youth usage, and warns that further restrictions could disrupt a $2 billion economic force. They argue that strengthening enforcement against illegal sales is a more viable strategy than product bans.

Canadian youth vaping rates declined from 13.2% in 2019 to 5.8% in 2024, while youth smoking dropped to 1.5%. Approximately 68% of adult vapers rely on the flavours currently targeted for potential federal restrictions.

The players

Canadian Vaping Association

This is a national trade organization representing the vaping industry in Canada that advocates for policy positions concerning tobacco and vaping products.

The details

The Canadian Vaping Association advocates for stricter retailer licensing, mandatory age verification for online transactions, and harsher penalties for selling to minors. Industry advocates point out that provinces with more rigid rules, such as Quebec, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, currently report higher levels of cross-border illicit purchasing.

In 2019, the youth vaping rate was 13.2%.
In 2024, the youth vaping rate fell to 5.8%.
On October 28, 2026, the Canadian Vaping Association issued a statement regarding the proposed bans.

Health Landscape

The Canadian Vaping Association contends that the current regulatory framework established by the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act is sufficient to address public health concerns. This position marks a departure from government proposals that seek to limit specific flavour profiles to further reduce youth engagement.

Adults who rely on vaping products to quit smoking may face reduced access to their preferred products if federal restrictions on flavours are implemented. These potential changes could force many vapers to either switch products or seek alternatives in the illicit market.

The takeaway

The industry suggests that the downward trend in youth vaping proves that current policies are working as intended. Consumers should monitor federal legislative updates to see if new flavour restrictions will impact the availability of their chosen products.