Concerns Grow Over the Ban on E-Cigarettes in Kazakhstan

According to Kazakhstani media outlet Zakon, during the plenary session of the Majilis (lower house of Parliament) on October 11th, lawmakers expressed concern about the prolonged delay in addressing the issue of restricting or banning e-cigarettes and vaporizers. The Minister of Health stated that the relevant authorities are currently reviewing the question of a complete ban on the use of e-cigarettes.

Yerlan Koshanov, Chairman of the Parliament, has commented on this issue, noting that the public institutions responsible for its management have yet to make a definitive decision.

Our president has raised this issue, and lawmakers have also mentioned it repeatedly, but it remains unresolved to this day. Therefore, a decision needs to be made. As this problem poses a threat to the health of our future generations, we must expedite efforts for its resolution," stated Congressman Koshanov.

Legislator Daulet Turlkhanov has raised concerns about the unrestricted sale of e-cigarettes and electronic vaporizers to minors, highlighting the significant threat this poses to the younger generation. He referred to a report from the World Health Organization, which reveals the presence of toxic chemicals in e-cigarettes that can rapidly penetrate the brains of children, leading to vascular constriction, imposing strain on the heart, and causing lung diseases.

Turkhanov further stated that the misuse of e-cigarettes is not only a problem in Kazakhstan but also a global issue.

The use of e-cigarettes has become a major issue in our country and around the world. According to research on student behavior in 2018, 14% of girls and 6% of boys have used e-cigarettes. Despite the packaging stating that it should not be sold to those under 20 years old, these devices contain harmful substances. We must take note of this alarming statistic: e-cigarette sales have increased by 32% in the past six months, as stated by Dault Turlhanov.

The Minister of Health, Azhar Adel Giniyat, has announced that they are currently reviewing draft legislation amendments.

The proposal to ban e-cigarettes in our country has been introduced in the legislative agenda. It has already been discussed in government meetings, with the support of health authorities endorsing these regulations. Currently, the responsible authorities are reviewing the question of a complete ban on the use of e-cigarettes," said Jiniat.

The minister also added that the government will release a statement in the future, pledging to inform the lawmakers of its contents. Earlier this year, illicit sales of e-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquids were fined up to 6.1 billion CFA francs (approximately 93 million RMB).