India Reinforces E-Cigarette Ban Amidst Continued Availability

RegulationsMarket by Vincent Yi; Ashe Wong
May.25.2023
India Reinforces E-Cigarette Ban Amidst Continued Availability
Despite a 2019 ban, e-cigarettes remain readily available online and in tobacco shops across India.

India’s Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act came into effect in 2019, forbidding the direct or indirect production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, or storage of e-cigarettes, whether whole or in parts. Despite the legislation, however, e-cigarettes have remained readily accessible, prompting the Ministry of Health to release a notice urging stricter enforcement.

 


The notice further stipulates that entities must not advertise e-cigarettes or participate in any direct or indirect promotional activities. The Ministry emphasized that any violations concerning the manufacture, sale (including online), and advertisement of e-cigarettes are prosecutable under the provisions of the law.

 

Voluntary Health Association of India Manager, Binoy Mathew, has expressed concern over the easy availability of e-cigarettes to minors, despite the ban. He welcomed the government's notice as an important step toward stricter implementation of the law.

 

Echoing this sentiment, Supreme Court lawyer Ranjit Singh expressed worry over the ease of access to banned products in the Indian market, highlighting the enticing flavors of e-cigarettes and similar products that can lead to nicotine addiction in younger generations.

 

The notice has underlined the Indian government's commitment to the e-cigarette ban by clearly articulating the provisions of the 2019 act. Health Minister Rajesh Bhushan has urged all states and territories to take similar measures, particularly around convenience stores, stationery shops, and educational institutions, where young people can easily access these products."

 


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