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

ICA Seizes Over 18,400 E-Vaporisers at Tuas Checkpoint — Largest Land-Checkpoint Haul Since Tougher Penalties Took Effect
ICA Seizes Over 18,400 E-Vaporisers at Tuas Checkpoint — Largest Land-Checkpoint Haul Since Tougher Penalties Took Effect
Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) intercepted a Malaysian-registered lorry at Tuas Checkpoint and uncovered more than 18,400 e-vaporisers and about 1,400 related components misdeclared as “components for motorised external roll-up blinds.” ICA says this is the largest haul detected at land checkpoints since stiffer penalties for vape offences came into force on Sep 1, 2025. One Malaysian man was arrested and the case was referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
Sep.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia plans to introduce a bill to crack down on e-cigarette sales, with individual fines of up to $20,000
Russia plans to introduce a bill to crack down on e-cigarette sales, with individual fines of up to $20,000
Russia is preparing a bill to crack down on the sale of e-cigarettes. The bill would impose fines of up to 200,000 rubles (approximately $2,406) for the retail and wholesale sale of e-cigarettes, with fines of up to 2 million rubles (approximately $20,000) for businesses. The bill aims to fill gaps in the definition of e-cigarettes in existing laws and curb their popularity among youth to protect public health.
Sep.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
InterTabac 2025 Insights|Nicotine Pouches Reach 70mg/g, Cotton-Pad Oral Products Also on Display
InterTabac 2025 Insights|Nicotine Pouches Reach 70mg/g, Cotton-Pad Oral Products Also on Display
GARANT Nicotine Pouches at Inter Tabac 2025 At the Inter Tabac 2025 exhibition, GARANT showcased its new nicotine pouch line. According to on-site observations by 2Firsts, the brand unveiled nicotine pouches with concentrations up to 70mg/g, as well as mini pouches with a capacity of 35 per tin. The products featured a unique, square, cotton-pad shape.
Sep.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Juul Wins UK Court Injunction, Ending Five-Year Legal Battle Against Chinese Vape Infringers
Juul Wins UK Court Injunction, Ending Five-Year Legal Battle Against Chinese Vape Infringers
The UK High Court has granted U.S. e-cigarette manufacturer Juul Labs a permanent injunction against four Chinese companies, bringing an end to a five-year patent and trademark infringement case. The defendants — Greensun Technology, Ouch, Gaish, and Airsmo Tech — failed to respond to any court communications or legal filings.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | HQD launches the new HQD GO in the U.S., featuring three power levels and a ~$30 price tag.
Product | HQD launches the new HQD GO in the U.S., featuring three power levels and a ~$30 price tag.
HQD has listed the disposable HQD GO on its official site and U.S. channels. The device touts 35,000 puffs, three power levels with adjustable airflow, and a 30 mg/ml nicotine strength. On U.S. retail websites, it’s priced at about $29.99.
Oct.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
California Federal Judge Signals Likely Class Certification in Juul–Altria Antitrust Case
California Federal Judge Signals Likely Class Certification in Juul–Altria Antitrust Case
U.S. District Judge William Orrick of the Northern District of California indicated on Friday that he will likely certify classes of direct and indirect purchasers accusing e-cigarette makers Juul Labs Inc. and former rival Altria Group Inc. of conspiring to limit product variety and violate antitrust laws.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai