Key Highlights:
1.The ban is extensive, covering the importation, sale, and distribution of all e-cigarette devices and related e-liquids.
2.The timing of implementation is clear: the ban will officially take effect one week after publication in the National Gazette.
3.The legal basis is clear: supported by the Tobacco Control Act 2016, it has complete legal backing.
4.Increased penalty measures: individuals can be fined up to K10,000 (approximately $2,400 USD), while businesses can face penalties of up to K200,000 (approximately $48,000 USD) for violations.
According to a report by Health. pngfacts on May 14th, the government of Papua New Guinea has officially announced a ban on the use and importation of e-cigarette products.
Health Minister Elias Kapavore confirmed during a press conference that the ban has been officially finalized by the Ministry of Health and will take effect one week after being published in the National Gazette.
This policy change has received support from the National Intelligence Organisation and has been endorsed as legitimate by government legal advisors. The Ministry of Health has pointed out that the current use of e-cigarettes among adolescents and children is on the rise, posing a public health concern, prompting the government to adopt more stringent regulatory measures.
The ban explicitly prohibits the sale, import, and distribution of all e-cigarette devices and e-cigarette liquid, with strict penalties for violations: individual users could face fines of up to K10,000 (approximately $2400), while businesses found in violation (especially those related to the tobacco industry) could be fined as much as K200,000 (approximately $48,000). The Ministry of Health also stated that the Papua New Guinea Customs Service is prepared to enforce the ban, conducting checks on retail e-cigarette stocks to ensure compliance with the policy.
The measure is based on the Tobacco Control Act 2016, which authorizes the government to take measures to control public health risks associated with tobacco and related products. The Minister pointed out that flavored e-cigarette products with multiple chemical ingredients circulating in the market pose a substantial threat to the health of adolescents, especially in the absence of adequate regulation.
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