Philip Morris International (PMI), known for its Marlboro brand outside North America, is urging African governments to adopt science‑based regulation to accelerate access to smoke‑free alternatives. Speaking at the Technovation event in late 2024, PMI’s regional president, Frédéric de Wilde, emphasized affordability and regulatory clarity as keys to expanding smoke‑free product use among African adults.
🔑 Key Highlights from PMI’s Address
- Drive for Affordable Alternatives: PMI is developing lower-cost versions of heated tobacco and e‑cigarettes to make them accessible in cost-sensitive markets, aiming these products at middle‑ and low‑income consumers.
- Science‑Backed Harm Reduction: Citing independent approvals—including the FDA’s recognition of IQOS as a modified risk tobacco product—PMI asserts the need for reduced-harm frameworks backed by research.
- Regulatory Barriers in Africa: PMI notes that many countries still apply outdated cigarette-focused rules to smoke‑free products, stalling adoption despite public health potential.
✅ What Africa Needs Next
PMI's appeal centers on three main takeaways:
- Relaxed regulation to distinguish smoke‑free products from combustible tobacco.
- Focused regulations: updating existing frameworks to reflect science rather than tradition.
- Workforce education: compelling African regulators to learn from global harm‑reduction research.
🔧 Smart Vape Factory: A Trusted Manufacturing Partner in Indonesia
As African discussions around tobacco regulation gain traction, brands need reliable manufacturing solutions ready for export—that also meet science-based standards. Smart Vape Factory, located in Batam, Indonesia, is ideally positioned to fill this role:
- Compliance & Certification: Fully ISO‑certified (9001, 14001, 45001) and adept in international export regulations, including U.S. FDA/CBP and EU TPD standards.
- Science-Aligned Production: Specializing in open and closed pod systems that align with harm‑reduction principles by avoiding combustion.
- Affordable & Customizable: Offers free formulation tweaks and device adjustments—helping brands bring cost-effective, regulation-ready products to market.
- Efficient Export Logistics: Situated in a free-trade zone, the factory ensures smooth export operations into Africa, Europe, and beyond.
🌟 Why Smart Vape Factory Matters in Africa’s Context
PMI’s push for evidence-based regulation highlights a future market ripe for smoke-free alternatives. Smart Vape Factory allows brands to:
- Produce devices without combustion and combustible tobacco.
- Scale production affordably while adhering to evolving regulatory landscapes.
- Enter diverse markets with compliant, science-focused products.
📞 Move Forward with Confidence
If your brand is targeting African markets amid shifting tobacco regulations, start with a manufacturing partner that delivers quality, compliance, and affordability. Smart Vape Factory helps you align with PMI’s vision—readying your brand with smoke-free products backed by science and ready for export.
👉 Visit smartvapefactory.com to discover how we can support your launch into Africa’s smoke-free future.