Pakistan Senate bill seeks strict control of vapes and e-cigarettes in Islamabad, including under-18 sales ban

Key Points

• Status: Senate Standing Committee approval; bill to be tabled in the Senate

• Scope: Islamabad; controls on sale, marketing and use; framework covering import, distribution and promotion

• Restrictions: under-18 sales ban; 50-metre school-zone sales ban; total advertising ban (TV, social media, billboards)

• Use settings: bans proposed for public transport, government offices, parks and shared community spaces

• Standards and penalties: 40 mg/ml nicotine cap; child-resistant/tamper-proof packaging; health warnings; e-commerce age verification; Rs50,000 fine proposed for first breach of age/location rules

2Firsts, January 8, 2026 – According to Razya Khan, the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services is set to table the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill in the Senate after the panel approved it, aiming to impose strict controls on the sale, marketing and use of vapes and e-cigarettes in the federal capital, Islamabad.

Moved by Senator Sarmad Ali, the bill comes amid rising concern over increased vaping among school and college students and introduces a regulatory framework covering the import, distribution and promotion of these products.

A key provision proposes a complete ban on the sale of e-cigarettes within a 50-metre radius of any school, college or educational institution, and sets a strict age limit, making it illegal to sell vaping products to anyone under 18.

The bill proposes treating vaping at par with traditional tobacco products. If passed, vape use would be prohibited in public transport, government offices, public parks and other shared community spaces. It also proposes a total ban on vape advertising, including promotions on television, social media and billboards, with a focus on marketing strategies that appeal to minors.

To address safety and quality control, the bill proposes mandatory standards for vaping products, including a maximum nicotine concentration of 40 milligrams per millilitre, compulsory child-resistant and tamper-proof packaging, and prominent health warnings on every pack. E-commerce platforms selling vapes would be legally bound to implement robust age-verification systems before completing any sale.

For violations, the bill proposes an immediate Rs50,000 fine for a first breach of age and location restrictions, while repeat violators and those involved in smuggling non-standardized e-liquids may face heavier fines and legal action.

The bill is under review by relevant ministries to finalize enforcement mechanisms ahead of its formal presentation in the Senate.

Image Source: Reuters