From January 1, the production, trading, and use of electronic cigarettes will officially be banned in Vietnam to protect public health and reduce the severe consequences of tobacco use, especially among the youth, local media reported.
With this decision, Vietnam becomes the sixth ASEAN country to implement a ban on electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco, joining Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, and Thailand.
Mr. Nguyen Tu from Ha Dong district, Hanoi, shared that while a ban is now in place, there are still no penalties in effect, and many buyers and sellers are waiting to see how strict the enforcement will be. Some people also mentioned they are temporarily using e-cigarettes at home to avoid potential fines.
Earlier on November 30, 2024, the Vietnamese National Assembly approved a resolution during its eighth session of the 15th Legislature. The resolution specifies the ban on the production, trading, import, storage, transportation, and use of electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco, and substances harmful to human health starting in 2025 to ensure public health, social order, and safety.
According to a report from nearly 700 healthcare facilities nationwide, in 2023, there were 1,224 hospitalizations related to the use of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco, with 71 cases involving individuals under 18, many of whom were found to be poisoned by synthetic drugs. (QDND, Bao Phap Luat, VTV, VOV, Dan Tri)