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

British American Tobacco France: A complete ban on tobacco-free nicotine pouches could drive the expansion of the black market

British American Tobacco (BAT) France expressed opposition to the government's plan to ban tobacco-free nicotine pouches in the National Assembly, arguing that a ban would foster a vibrant black market and harm public health and the protection of minors. The company also cited the examples of Sweden and New Zealand, which have reduced smoking rates through "clear regulations and strict controls," and proposed three policy recommendations: ban sales to minors, strictly regulate smokeless nicotine

Sep.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Co-op Faces Backlash Over Vape Promotion Strategy Post-Cyberattack

The Guardian reports that UK retailer Co-op is ramping up vape promotions to recover sales lost after an April cyberattack. Internal documents cite a £1M weekly sales gap and 100,000 fewer transactions. Staff say the move contradicts Co-op’s “ethical retail” image, as the government prepares to ban vape ads under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

Oct.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Putin Supports Full Russia-Wide Vape Sales Ban

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his backing to a nationwide sales ban on vapes during a visit to Samara and stressed that “it’s not only such a decision that is important, but also the corresponding work among youth.”

Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Kentucky to Require Tobacco and Vape Retailers to Be Licensed Starting January 2026

The Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet has reminded all businesses selling tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products that they must be licensed by the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) by January 1, 2026. The requirement stems from Senate Bill 100, signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 24, 2025, aimed at strengthening youth protection and enforcing compliance against unlicensed sales.