Investigation Reveals Illegal E-cigarette Smuggling in Vietnam

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nov.28.2023
Investigation Reveals Illegal E-cigarette Smuggling in Vietnam
Vietnamese Market Management Team detains 2500 e-cigarettes without proof of origin during anti-smuggling operation in Gia Lai province.

According to a report by Vietq, the market management team in Gao Ping province, Vietnam, recently seized 2500 e-cigarettes. All the products were labeled with foreign languages, including the "Made in China" mark, but no invoice or documents proving their origin could be presented for the goods.

 

During the peak operation period of the anti-smuggling, commercial fraud, and counterfeit products campaign in late 2023, the market management team conducted an investigation and verification upon receiving information from the public. Upon confirming the illegal basis, they immediately proceeded to inspect the transportation trucks delivering goods in Gao Ping City.

 

According to data from the Ministry of Health, the usage rate of e-cigarettes among students has significantly increased in the past three years. In the age group of 13-17 years old, the usage rate of e-cigarettes was 2.6% in 2019, which is projected to increase to 3.5% by 2022. Among adults aged 15 and above, the use of e-cigarettes is predominantly concentrated in the age group of 15-24 years old, with a usage rate of 7.3%. The usage rate for the age groups of 25-44 years old and 45-64 years old is 3.2% each, while for the age group of 64 years and above, it is 1.4%.

 

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

Philippines DTI Floats Blanket Ban on Open-Pod Vapes and E-Liquids, Seeks Public Input
Philippines DTI Floats Blanket Ban on Open-Pod Vapes and E-Liquids, Seeks Public Input
Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is inviting stakeholder feedback on a draft Department Administrative Order (DAO) that would impose a blanket ban on open vape pods and e-liquids—covering use, manufacturing, importation, and distribution.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British American Tobacco Introduces Facial Age Verification in Italy, Pilot Covers 119 Stores
British American Tobacco Introduces Facial Age Verification in Italy, Pilot Covers 119 Stores
British American Tobacco’s Italian unit is partnering with digital identity firm Yoti to pilot facial-scan age verification at 119 pop-up stores nationwide, aiming to supplement traditional ID checks and prevent underage purchases of tobacco and nicotine products.
Dec.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive: Suspected ‘Backend Update Then Withdrawal’ Suggests Glas May Be Next FDA-Authorized E-Cigarette Brand After Juul
Exclusive: Suspected ‘Backend Update Then Withdrawal’ Suggests Glas May Be Next FDA-Authorized E-Cigarette Brand After Juul
An exclusive 2Firsts investigation found an unpublished FDA update on e-cigarette marketing authorizations that mirrors market speculation, suggesting Glas’s application may have cleared internal review, though no official confirmation has been issued.
Regulations
Dec.21
South Korean Court Strikes Down Health Levy on Vape Nicotine Liquids, Citing Disproportionate Penalties
South Korean Court Strikes Down Health Levy on Vape Nicotine Liquids, Citing Disproportionate Penalties
A Seoul court has annulled South Korea’s health-levy assessments imposed on multiple importers of nicotine liquids used for vaping. While the court agreed the nicotine could be treated as “tobacco” because it was found to be leaf-derived, it ruled the levy—stacked with other taxes and calculated on a blunt, volume-only basis—was so severe it effectively deprived businesses of the ability to operate, breaching constitutional proportionality and equality standards.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nebraska Lawmakers Consider Major Tax Hikes on Cigarettes, Vapes and Other Nicotine Products
Nebraska Lawmakers Consider Major Tax Hikes on Cigarettes, Vapes and Other Nicotine Products
Nebraska lawmakers are considering two tax bills targeting nicotine products. LB1124 would raise the cigarette tax from $0.64 to $1.64 per pack, while LB1238 would shift cigarettes to a 30% tax on the retailer’s purchase price and increase taxes on alternative nicotine and other tobacco products to 30%. The commentary argues the hikes could raise consumer costs, pressure small retailers, and increase cross-border shopping and illicit market activity.
Feb.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
KT&G says lil reached about US$2.924 billion in cumulative sales and is expanding overseas
KT&G says lil reached about US$2.924 billion in cumulative sales and is expanding overseas
KT&G said its HNB brand lil has grown since launch, reporting KRW 7.8 billion (about US$5.304 million) in sales in 2017 and about KRW 4.3 trillion (about US$2.924 billion) in cumulative sales by last year’s third quarter, with KRW 5 trillion (about US$3.400 billion) described as within reach. KT&G said lil has entered more than 30 countries and supplies some products abroad via a partnership with PMI.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai