Laos Government Plans to Classify E-cigarettes as Addictive Substances

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nov.30.2023
Laos Government Plans to Classify E-cigarettes as Addictive Substances
Laos plans to include e-cigarettes in its list of addictive substances due to the increasing prevalence among youth.

According to a report by Xinhua News Agency on November 30th, the Laotian government plans to amend and supplement certain provisions of the drug prevention and control law, including the inclusion of e-cigarettes in the list classified as addictive substances and precursors.

 

During the sixth regular session of the ninth Lao National Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong emphasized that e-cigarettes, which are one of the emerging issues of social concern, have not yet been included in Laos' list of prohibited items.

 

Therefore, e-cigarettes will soon be added to the list of products that include banned addictive substances and precursors.

 

According to a report from the Ministry of Health of Laos in October, tobacco-related diseases were the leading cause of death in the country in 2019, accounting for approximately 65% of all deaths. It is estimated that tobacco annually causes hundreds of thousands of chronic illnesses and results in the deaths of 6,700 people.

 

The use of tobacco among young people in Laos, particularly e-cigarettes, is steadily growing and becoming increasingly prevalent. As a result, the Ministry of Health expresses concern that without timely measures to restrict it, the country will soon face a new wave of e-cigarette addiction, which is equally harmful as traditional tobacco.

 

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

Exclusive|Logistics Operators Warn of Possible New U.S. Border Crackdown on Illicit Vapes
Exclusive|Logistics Operators Warn of Possible New U.S. Border Crackdown on Illicit Vapes
Recent inspections and cargo disruption have led some logistics operators in the China-U.S. vape trade to see early signs of another U.S. border crackdown on illicit e-cigarettes. With late April to early May viewed as a key risk window, the market is watching closely. The bigger question is not only whether enforcement will tighten, but whether it can be sustained.
Special Report
Apr.09
Kazakhstan’s Almaty crackdown: Telegram channels used to sell banned vapes, six face charges
Kazakhstan’s Almaty crackdown: Telegram channels used to sell banned vapes, six face charges
Authorities in Almaty have uncovered a large illegal vape distribution scheme, seizing and destroying more than 180,000 vapes. Prosecutors said potential revenue from sales could have exceeded 1 billion tenge. Suspects allegedly sold the banned products through Telegram channels and social media, storing inventory in warehouses and covert locations.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
USITC Launches Section 337 Probe Into Disposable and Closed-System ENDS, Involving 16 Companies
USITC Launches Section 337 Probe Into Disposable and Closed-System ENDS, Involving 16 Companies
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute a Section 337 investigation into certain disposable and other closed-system electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) devices and components thereof (Inv. No. 337-TA-1486). The investigation stems from a complaint filed on January 13, 2026 by R.J. Reynolds entities based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, supplemented on February 3, 2026.
Mar.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia May Allow Regions to Introduce Experimental Vape Sales Bans
Russia May Allow Regions to Introduce Experimental Vape Sales Bans
Russia’s government commission on legislative activity has approved second-reading amendments to a bill on licensing trade in tobacco and nicotine-containing products that would allow Russian regions to introduce experimental bans on vape sales.
Mar.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Editorial says West Virginia’s HB 5437 “Vape Safety Act” goes too far, targeting residency and citizenship provisions
Editorial says West Virginia’s HB 5437 “Vape Safety Act” goes too far, targeting residency and citizenship provisions
A News and Sentinel editorial argues that West Virginia’s HB 5437, the “Vape Safety Act,” goes beyond reasonable regulation by adding provisions barring any part of a vape or smoke shop from being used as a residence and requiring owners to be U.S. citizens.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Issues Draft PMTA Guidance for Flavored E-Cigarettes, Maintaining Higher Evidence Bar for Fruit and Sweet Flavors
FDA Issues Draft PMTA Guidance for Flavored E-Cigarettes, Maintaining Higher Evidence Bar for Fruit and Sweet Flavors
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 9 released a draft guidance outlining its current thinking on premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs) for flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). The document reiterates that fruit, candy, dessert, and other sweet-flavored e-cigarettes present a “significant public health risk” to youth and therefore face a higher evidentiary burden if manufacturers seek marketing authorization.
Mar.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai