According to a report by Business Standard, the health and family welfare ministry of Bangladesh is looking to amend the country's tobacco law to prohibit electronic cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches.
The proposal also includes new restrictions on combustible tobacco products.
Anti-smoking advocates have been calling for a ban on electronic cigarettes, yet current legislation does not mention it.
The proposal not only prohibits the sale of electronic cigarette products but also bans the production, import, export, storage, sale, and transportation of electronic cigarettes or their components.
According to the plan, apprehended drug users will face fines of up to 5,000 taka ($53.80), while producers and traders could face a maximum of six months imprisonment or a fine of no more than 200,000 taka, or imprisonment for the first time.
If the crime is repeated, the punishment will be doubled.
A few years ago, electronic cigarettes began to enter Bangladesh and quickly became popular.
As demand has increased, British American Tobacco has started producing and selling electronic cigarettes in the market.
According to reports, Japan Tobacco Inc. is also preparing to sell electronic cigarettes in Bangladesh.
The proposal from the Ministry of Health will further strengthen restrictions on traditional tobacco products.
In addition to other regulations, it also includes a ban on the use of flavors and increasing the graphic health warning size from the current legal limit of 50% to 90% of the packaging surface.
The draft proposal also sets forth new retail licensing requirements and restrictions on tobacco sales locations.
The Ministry of Health recently sent a copy of the draft to stakeholders.
The National Health Commission will be accepting feedback on the draft until July 14th.
Source: tobaccoreporter
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