Questioning the Ban: E-cigarette Regulation in Argentina

Aug.15.2023
Questioning the Ban: E-cigarette Regulation in Argentina
Argentine e-cigarette association questions government regulations, claiming e-cigarettes reduce tobacco risks by 95%, calling for independent regulation.

According to Argentine media outlet Eleconomista, on August 14th, the Argentine e-cigarette association has raised concerns about the government's regulation policies on e-cigarettes. While acknowledging that e-cigarettes are not completely harmless, the association argues that for those who are unable or unwilling to quit smoking, e-cigarettes can reduce the risks associated with traditional tobacco by 95%. As a result, they are calling for independent regulation that does not treat e-cigarettes on par with traditional tobacco.


Approximately one million Argentines are currently using e-cigarettes.


E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are gaining popularity worldwide, not only among those seeking non-combustible and lower nicotine options, but also among people who enjoy inhaling nicotine-free flavored vapor.


In Argentina, the use of these products has not been legally sanctioned, and it is estimated that there are currently around one million people nationwide using e-cigarettes.


However, since 2011, the sales, importation, distribution, promotion, and advertising of e-cigarettes have been prohibited according to the regulations set by the National Administration of Food, Drugs, and Medical Technology (ANMAT). Additionally, the Ministry of Health has banned the use of heated tobacco products starting from March 2023.


Compared to traditional cigarette smoking, the nicotine and approximately 7000 toxic substances in cigarettes are highly addictive and can potentially cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular ailments, and various types of cancer, including lung, throat, and laryngeal cancers.


According to statistics released by the Ministry of Health in Argentina, 22.2% of adults over the age of 18 are smokers. Approximately 45,000 people die each year due to smoking, accounting for 14% of the total number of deaths.


Cigarette smoking continues to raise concerns every year due to its detrimental impact on health. Recent statistics reveal notable consequences, including 19,000 cancer diagnoses, 33,000 cases of pneumonia, 11,000 strokes, 61,000 hospitalizations caused by cardiovascular diseases, and over 100,000 new cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).


Call for independent regulation.


An e-cigarette, formally known as a Nicotine Electronic Aerosolization System (SEAN) or a Non-Nicotine Electronic Aerosolization System (SESN), is a battery-operated device that heats a solution composed of propylene glycol, glycerin, and potentially flavorings to 250 degrees Celsius, producing an aerosol for consumer inhalation.


Furthermore, the heating of specially crafted tobacco leaves and pods containing nicotine in heated tobacco products (HTPs), without combustion, has been deemed toxic and carcinogenic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, the WHO states that HTPs should be regulated as "other products within the tobacco category" due to a lack of sufficient data indicating that they are less harmful than traditional cigarettes.


The Ministry of Health in Argentina has implemented strict regulations on e-cigarettes and PTC due to concerns about their potential health risks and addictive behavior.


However, the Argentine e-cigarette association acknowledges that e-cigarettes are not entirely harmless but claims that they reduce the risks associated with traditional tobacco by 95% for individuals who cannot or do not want to quit smoking.


As a result, they are calling for independent regulation and not treating it on par with traditional tobacco.


Juan Facundo Teme, chairman of the association, believes that the use of e-cigarettes in Argentina has been stigmatized. He is urging the government to study regulatory measures in countries like the United Kingdom and questions why prohibition is the only option for Latin American countries.


References: When writing articles or reports, it is crucial to include references to support the information provided. References serve as sources of evidence and credibility for the claims made in the piece. They allow readers to verify the information themselves and ensure accuracy. Citing references also demonstrates the author's research and diligence in gathering information from reliable sources. This adds depth and authority to the piece, increasing its reliability and trustworthiness. In academic writing, referencing is considered a standard practice, as it gives credit to the original authors and acknowledges their contributions to the field. It also helps to avoid plagiarism by clearly attributing ideas and information to their rightful owners. Proper referencing involves providing complete and accurate information about the sources used, including the author's name, publication date, title, and relevant details. Different citation styles, such as MLA, APA, and Chicago, have specific rules and formats for referencing various types of sources, such as books, journals, websites, and interviews. Including references in a written piece not only strengthens its credibility but also encourages further exploration and research on the subject matter. It allows readers to delve deeper into the topic and engage with the material on a more scholarly level. In conclusion, references play a vital role in journalistic writing. They elevate the quality and reliability of the piece, ensure accuracy, and recognize the contributions of others. By including proper references, writers demonstrate their commitment to intellectual honesty and integrity.


Vaping in Argentina: Is its prohibition reasonable?



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

FDA Proposes Foreign Tobacco Factory Registration Rule to Tighten Import Oversight
FDA Proposes Foreign Tobacco Factory Registration Rule to Tighten Import Oversight
The FDA has proposed a rule requiring foreign tobacco manufacturers to register facilities and list products before exporting to the U.S. If finalized, the rule could affect overseas OEM/ODM factories, contract manufacturers, specification developers, bulk product makers, and repackaging or relabeling firms. FDA says the proposal would help identify unauthorized imported tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
Special Report
Jun.26
Ireland Vape Bill Passes Dáil, Setting Limits on Flavours, Packaging and Retail Display
Ireland Vape Bill Passes Dáil, Setting Limits on Flavours, Packaging and Retail Display
Ireland’s Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026 has passed final stage in the Dáil and will move to the Seanad, with measures to limit vape flavours to tobacco or unflavoured products and tighten rules on packaging colours, retail advertising, in-store displays and sales of nicotine pouches to minors.
News
Jun.26 by 2Firsts Perspectives
One Year After UK Disposable Vape Ban: Youth Use Falls to 13%, Adult Use to 8%
One Year After UK Disposable Vape Ban: Youth Use Falls to 13%, Adult Use to 8%
among both youth and adults. However, industry groups and regulators warn that the illicit vape market remains a growing concern.
Jun.09
Dutch NVWA Seizes Record 277,000 Illegal Vapes; Video Shows “AL FAKHER” Cartons
Dutch NVWA Seizes Record 277,000 Illegal Vapes; Video Shows “AL FAKHER” Cartons
The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, known as the NVWA, seized more than 277,000 illegal vapes near Rotterdam and nearly 150,000 boxes of nicotine pouches in Utrecht and Rotterdam, calling them the largest batches of such products it has found to date. Video footage released by the NVWA shows some cartons in the warehouse bearing the “AL FAKHER / الفاخر” name, though the agency did not identify brands.
Jul.10
Malaysian Tobacco Control Groups Call for Annual 5% Tobacco Tax Hike
Malaysian Tobacco Control Groups Call for Annual 5% Tobacco Tax Hike
According to The Star and The Edge Malaysia, tobacco control groups in Malaysia have urged the government to raise tobacco taxes by at least 5% annually, saying the measure could reduce smoking rates and fund public health and social programmes.
News
May.26
South Korea Brings Synthetic-Nicotine E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Rules From June 24, Targeting Online Sales and Evasion
South Korea Brings Synthetic-Nicotine E-Cigarettes Under Tobacco Rules From June 24, Targeting Online Sales and Evasion
South Korea began full enforcement of tobacco-style rules for synthetic-nicotine e-cigarettes on June 24, 2026, with fines of up to 100,000 won for use in non-smoking areas and enforcement focus on online sales, raw nicotine liquids and products falsely marketed as nicotine-free.
MarketNews
Jun.25 by 2Firsts Perspectives