Nepal Considers Banning E-Cigarette Sales Due to Rising Youth Usage

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Apr.09.2024

Nepal considers banning e-cigarette sales due to rising youth usage and concerns over health risks, reports MyRepublica.

According to a recent report by MyRepublica, the Information Officer at the Nepal Health Education, Information and Communication Center believes that Nepal may ban the sale of e-cigarettes in the future.

Nepal is currently facing an issue of increasing e-cigarette usage among teenagers. According to statistics, Nepal's e-cigarette imports are projected to reach 3.2 million units by 2023, with an estimated market value of 21 billion Nepalese Rupees (approximately $15.8 million USD). Despite research indicating that e-cigarette vapor is at least 95% less harmful than smoking, Nepal considers the potential harm of e-cigarettes to be on par with traditional tobacco burning, based on health concerns.

According to a recent survey by the Nepal Development Research Institute, 34.1% of the population in Nepal smoke, showing an increase from 31.8% in 2020.

Researcher Kamal Chaulagain from the Nepal Development Studies Institute believes that the increasing popularity of tobacco consumption is due to the growing prevalence of hookahs and e-cigarettes, with some users viewing them as alternatives to traditional smoking. He also calls for an increase in tobacco taxes. Jaya Kumar Gurung, the director of the Nepal Development Studies Institute, accuses the weak enforcement of anti-smoking legislation, emphasizing the lack of public awareness regarding the harmful effects of tobacco products.

References:

[1] Nepal Poised to Ban Vapes as ‘Tobacco' Use Spikes

Also Read:

[1] Ban on Tobacco Sales, Consumption, and Trading Implemented in Kathmandu

[2] Complete Ban on Plastic Packaging of Tobacco Products in Kathmandu

#Legislation #E-cigarettes #Asia #Nepal

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

Switzerland's Geneva to enforce ban on disposable e-cigarettes following court ruling

The Canton of Geneva has begun enforcing its ban on disposable e-cigarettes (“puffs”) after the cantonal court rejected industry appeals to suspend the law. Passed on August 29 by the Grand Council, the ban will now be actively monitored by trade inspectors, while a similar measure is already in force in Valais.

Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Japan Tobacco Announces Executive Leadership Changes Effective in 2026

Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has announced a series of executive and board appointments effective from 2026, including the nomination of Takehiko Tsutsui—currently Executive Vice President at JT International—as President, CEO and Representative Director.

Nov.26

UK Government Officially Confirms Vaping Products Duty and Stamps Scheme, Effective October 2026

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has officially confirmed that the UK will implement a Vaping Products Duty (VPD) and Vaping Duty Stamps (VDS) scheme from October 1, 2026. The duty will apply to all vaping liquids at a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml. Businesses must register for approval starting April 1, 2026. The stamps scheme will take effect in October 2026 with a six-month grace period, after which, from April 2027, unstamped products will be prohibited from sale.

Oct.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai

2Firsts Interview with IBVTA: UK Vape Tax May Weaken Harm Reduction Efforts

As the UK prepares to introduce its first-ever vape tax in 2026, questions are growing about how the measure will reshape the country’s harm reduction landscape. IBVTA tells 2Firsts that while it was not in favour of the new duty, it accepts that it is being implemented and is working with regulators to ensure a smooth rollout — warning, however, that higher costs could slow smokers’ transition to safer alternatives.