Laos Government Plans to Classify E-cigarettes as Addictive Substances

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nov.30.2023
Laos Government Plans to Classify E-cigarettes as Addictive Substances
Laos plans to include e-cigarettes in its list of addictive substances due to the increasing prevalence among youth.

According to a report by Xinhua News Agency on November 30th, the Laotian government plans to amend and supplement certain provisions of the drug prevention and control law, including the inclusion of e-cigarettes in the list classified as addictive substances and precursors.

 

During the sixth regular session of the ninth Lao National Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong emphasized that e-cigarettes, which are one of the emerging issues of social concern, have not yet been included in Laos' list of prohibited items.

 

Therefore, e-cigarettes will soon be added to the list of products that include banned addictive substances and precursors.

 

According to a report from the Ministry of Health of Laos in October, tobacco-related diseases were the leading cause of death in the country in 2019, accounting for approximately 65% of all deaths. It is estimated that tobacco annually causes hundreds of thousands of chronic illnesses and results in the deaths of 6,700 people.

 

The use of tobacco among young people in Laos, particularly e-cigarettes, is steadily growing and becoming increasingly prevalent. As a result, the Ministry of Health expresses concern that without timely measures to restrict it, the country will soon face a new wave of e-cigarette addiction, which is equally harmful as traditional tobacco.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Bangladesh Industry Association Calls for Regulated Framework Instead of Vape Ban
Bangladesh Industry Association Calls for Regulated Framework Instead of Vape Ban
Bangladesh Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Traders Association said at a press conference on April 9 that use of e-cigarette products under regulated policy frameworks has produced positive public health outcomes globally.
Apr.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Israel’s Finance Ministry Advances New Tax Plan for Vapes, Tobacco Pouches and Nicotine Pouches
Israel’s Finance Ministry Advances New Tax Plan for Vapes, Tobacco Pouches and Nicotine Pouches
Israel’s Finance Ministry is advancing a new bill to tax e-cigarettes, tobacco pouches and nicotine pouches. According to the report, once approved by the Knesset Finance Committee, the initiative would only require the signature of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to take effect. The plan would lower the tax on vape liquid while introducing new taxes on vape devices and on tobacco and nicotine pouches.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Vape User Numbers Rose More Than 11-Fold in Three Years, Group Says Ban Should Be Reassessed
Thai Vape User Numbers Rose More Than 11-Fold in Three Years, Group Says Ban Should Be Reassessed
A network of e-cigarette users in Thailand has urged the new government to review the country’s vape ban, saying official data show that use has risen sharply despite more than a decade of prohibition.
Mar.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s E-cigarette Exports Reach $1.694 Billion in Jan–Feb 2026; U.S., UK, Germany Lead, Japan Rises to Fourth
China’s E-cigarette Exports Reach $1.694 Billion in Jan–Feb 2026; U.S., UK, Germany Lead, Japan Rises to Fourth
China Customs Administration released e-cigarette export data for January and February 2025, showing varied monthly performances in 2026.In January, the export value was $940 million, a decrease of 6.2% compared to January 2025's $1.02 billion. In February, the export value was $754 million, a 51.2% increase compared to February 2025's $498 million.
Mar.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s tobacco regulator names Yao Laiying as top leader
China’s tobacco regulator names Yao Laiying as top leader
China’s tobacco regulator has undergone a top leadership change, according to an official announcement on March 20.
Mar.20
Virginia Attorney General Backs Vape Enforcement Act Limiting Sales to FDA-Authorized or Pending Products
Virginia Attorney General Backs Vape Enforcement Act Limiting Sales to FDA-Authorized or Pending Products
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones is backing new vape enforcement legislation that he said would do more than warn people about the dangers of vaping. The proposal would tighten rules on which products can be sold and increase enforcement aimed at keeping vapes out of the hands of young people.
Mar.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai