Indian Anti-Vape Group: Weak Enforcement of Vape Ban as Online and Black Market Sales Surge

Key Points:

·Ban in Place: Since 2019, India has enforced the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), which bans the manufacture, sale, distribution, import, and advertisement of e-cigarettes nationwide.

·Widespread Online Sales: Hundreds of websites and social media accounts openly sell banned vaping products, with inadequate regulatory oversight.

·Health Warnings from Experts: Medical professionals warn that e-cigarettes cause respiratory symptoms, psychological issues, and cardiovascular risks, with adolescents particularly vulnerable.

·Calls from Advocacy Groups: Organizations like Mothers Against Vaping urge the government to tighten control over digital platforms, ban enticing packaging and flavors, and promote parental education and public awareness campaigns.

·Policy Recommendations: Public health advocates suggest India learn from international experiences by enhancing enforcement, blocking online channels, implementing plain packaging, and advancing youth education.

【2Firsts News Flash】According to a report by Indian Express on July 8, Indian medical experts have expressed deep concern over the growing use of e-cigarettes and related devices among children and adolescents. Supported by the advocacy group Mothers Against Vaping (MAV), the experts warn that electronic nicotine delivery devices are increasingly exacerbating health risks. Although the country introduced a ban in 2019, black market and online sales remain rampant, and weak enforcement has allowed the problem to worsen.

“People generally believe e-cigarettes are safer than smoking, which is completely false. E-cigarettes can immediately cause coughing, shortness of breath, dry throat, and headaches. More worrying, they raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and can trigger heart disease,” said Dr. KK Handa from Medanta Hospital, New Delhi.

Dr. Handa added that long-term use damages the lungs, contributes to anxiety and depression, and carries physical risks due to possible device explosions.

Dr. Harish Bhatia from MGS Super Specialty Hospital pointed out that these devices harm adolescents’ lungs, reduce their stamina and immunity, and increase susceptibility to infections. He called for urgent intervention, emphasizing that healthy lungs are critical for the future of India’s youth.

Mothers Against Vaping is a group of concerned parents working to curb the rising use of e-cigarettes among young people. The organization urges the Indian government to take stronger action against marketing and distribution of vaping products, especially on digital platforms.

Despite the nationwide ban under PECA, e-cigarette products remain widely available online and in underground markets. Recent investigations reveal hundreds of Indian websites and social media pages openly selling banned vaping products.

The law prohibits manufacture, sale, distribution, import, and advertising of e-cigarettes. First-time offenders face fines up to ₹100,000 (approximately  $1,197) and one year imprisonment, while repeat offenders risk fines up to ₹500,000 (about $5,985) and three years imprisonment. Possession can lead to fines up to ₹50,000 (approximately $599) and six months imprisonment.

However, enforcement remains weak. Reports show seizures of e-cigarettes worth over ₹40 million (approximately $479,042) in 2024, yet online sales and advertising continue to thrive with minimal regulatory action.

Though India’s e-cigarette ban is among the strictest worldwide on paper, its poor enforcement undermines effectiveness. Public health advocates stress the need for India to adopt international best practices by aggressively targeting digital sales, banning flavored e-cigarettes, mandating plain packaging, and launching large-scale awareness campaigns to educate youth and families.