Panama Implements Resolution 146 to Regulate Tobacco Products Starting August 13, 2025

Key points:

• Effective date: From August 13, 2025, Resolution No. 146 of Panama will officially take effect. 

• Scope of regulation: Covering electronic nicotine delivery systems and electronic non-nicotine systems, traditional heated tobacco products, oral nicotine products, and their accessories. 

• Main provisions: Prohibit tobacco products from being placed in publicly accessible or visible areas; prohibit the use of related products in smoke-free areas; prohibit the sale to minors, age verification and warning signs required; prohibit any form of advertising promotion.

According to a report from Enmayuscula on August 12, the Panamanian Ministry of Health (Minsa) has reiterated to the public that Resolution No. 146 of January 31, 2025, will come into effect on August 13, 2025. This resolution establishes regulations for the use, marketing, promotion, advertising, and consumption of electronic nicotine delivery systems and electronic non-nicotine systems (SEAN and SESN), traditional heated tobacco products (PTC), oral nicotine products (PNO) and their accessories, pods, and other components (whether or not they contain nicotine) within the Republic of Panama.

This regulation aims to "protect the public, especially children and adolescents, from known risks associated with the use and exposure to these products and their emissions. The measure is in line with the preventive principles of public health and is based on existing evidence indicating that these devices may have adverse effects.

The main regulations that businesses and the public must consider include:

• Tobacco products must not be placed in public areas where they can be touched or seen. The products regulated by this resolution cannot be displayed in open windows, counters, or areas accessible to customers. In the first two years after the implementation of this regulation, tobacco products can only be displayed in closed windows or shelves. 

• Improper placement may result in confiscation and penalties for tobacco products. Smoking tobacco products is prohibited in all smoke-free areas. This includes public and private offices, schools, hospitals, transportation vehicles, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, sports stadiums, churches, hotels, nightclubs, and recreational facilities. In smoke-free areas, the use of e-cigarettes is also prohibited. It is forbidden to sell tobacco products to minors. 

• Sales points must display prominent signs warning consumers to adhere to this ban and use any valid official identification (personal ID, driver's license, passport) to verify the age of the purchaser.

• It is prohibited to advertise or promote these products directly or indirectly, including on packaging, social media, or digital media.