Tobacco Products Bill: Portfolio Committee Votes to Proceed with Legislative Process

Posted 24 June 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Parliament

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Health has voted in favour of the motion of desirability on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, allowing the draft legislation to proceed through the parliamentary process.

The Bill, which was originally tabled in December 2022, lapsed when South Africa’s sixth Parliament rose ahead of the May 2024 general elections. Following its formal revival in September 2024, the committee undertook lengthy deliberations leading to this vote. The motion of desirability represents a key procedural step, confirming that the committee agrees with the legislative principles and objectives of the draft law.

The proposed legislation is designed to align South African law with the 2003 World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. It establishes a regulatory framework aimed at reducing consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke and electronic delivery systems through supply, demand, and harm-reduction strategies.

While the committee voted to proceed, several political parties raised reservations regarding specific provisions. Once finalised, the Bill is expected to introduce:

  • Stricter regulations on the sale, advertising, and packaging of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems (such as e-cigarettes and vapes).
  • Standardised (plain) packaging requirements.
  • Strict prohibitions on smoking in public places and certain outdoor areas.
  • Prohibitions on the sale of these products through vending machines and online platforms.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations at this stage; however, professionals must monitor the legislative timeline to advise on future public smoking restrictions and personal liability.
  • For your business: Companies operating in the retail, hospitality, manufacturing, or marketing sectors must prepare for a highly restrictive advertising and packaging regime, requiring future operational and marketing strategy adjustments.
  • For your clients: Clients in the tobacco, vaping, and hospitality industries must prepare for strict compliance with plain packaging, advertising bans, and point-of-sale restrictions, and should begin assessing the financial impact on their business models.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/tobacco-products-bill-national-assembly-committee-votes-to-continue-process

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