Sirim requirement for vape devices right move, say industry players

 

Nanostix Innovations Sdn Bhd director Shahabudeen Jalil says Sirim certification should be viewed as a step towards regulation.

PETALING JAYA: Vape industry players have welcomed the requirement for all vaping devices to be Sirim certified, saying it will go a long way to protecting the interests and safety of consumers.

In line with the government’s announcement, all manufacturers and importers of electronic cigarettes must secure certification from SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd (SQISB) and have SQISB’s MS SIRIM labelling by Aug 3.

Nanostix Innovations Sdn Bhd director Shahabudeen Jalil said the Sirim certification requirement will be beneficial for both players and consumers, and that it should be viewed as a step towards regulation.

“The certification requirement is something industry players have been calling for and will be good for the industry because it means devices in the market adhere to safety and quality standards,” he said.

He said Nanostix has been collaborating with Sirim since 2019 by testing the
batteries in its devices to ensure the safety of its customers.

The Vape Consumer Association of Malaysia (VCAM) said the requirement, announced on April 5, will help consumers feel more confident about vape devices in the market and prevent the dumping of low-quality products here.

“The Sirim certification for vape devices is important to verify that all electronic cigarette devices made locally or imported have followed the country’s safety regulations for use,” it said in a statement to FMT.

VCAM said as Malaysia had yet to regulate vaping and vape devices, the Sirim
certification will at least prevent the influx of vape devices that did not meet safety and manufacturing standards.

However, it said the government should consider giving industry players at least one year to obtain certification before enforcing the requirement.

“The time needed for industry players to make changes to the production lines for products will only be granted after the testing and certification process is completed,” it said. - FMT