Vietnam PM Calls for Stricter Measures against E-Cigarettes, Heated Tobacco
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed ministries, agencies, and local authorities to enforce stricter regulations on electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, local media reported.
While recognizing the decrease in traditional cigarette use, particularly a 0.5% annual reduction among male smokers, the PM expressed concerns about the rising use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco among young people and their health risks.
The Ministry of Health is tasked with intensifying public education on the dangers of these products. The Ministry of Finance will oversee strict customs inspections to combat smuggling. Border guard forces are to increase patrols to prevent illegal trade and transportation across borders.
The Ministry of Public Security will focus on dismantling smuggling networks and prosecuting those involved. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is urged to strengthen market management and impose penalties for trafficking and storage of these products.
Media agencies and local committees are called upon to raise public awareness through campaigns. The National Steering Committee on Anti-Smuggling (Committee 389) will oversee the implementation of these measures, with provincial authorities enforcing the crackdown locally under the supervision of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha.