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.

UK HMRC Plans 30,000 Retail Enforcement Actions as Illegal Tobacco and Vape Sellers Face Tougher Crackdown
UK HMRC Plans 30,000 Retail Enforcement Actions as Illegal Tobacco and Vape Sellers Face Tougher Crackdown
The UK government has announced that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will carry out more than 30,000 interventions targeting businesses and retail premises during the 2026-2027 financial year. The actions will focus on tax fraud, illegal goods sales and businesses involved in unlawful activities through retail channels. The government said illegal tobacco and illegal vape sales remain areas of concern. The move shows that UK enforcement against illegal nicotine products is expanding from import and supply channels toward retail-level oversight, alongside the upcoming introduction of the Vaping Products Duty.
Jul.24
Kantar Study Finds More Than 93% of Vape Products in Ukraine Fail Regulatory Requirements
Kantar Study Finds More Than 93% of Vape Products in Ukraine Fail Regulatory Requirements
According to Interfax-Ukraine, a study conducted by market research firm Kantar Ukraine at the request of major tobacco companies found that more than 93% of vape products in Ukraine did not fully comply with regulatory requirements. The research examined product categories, brand distribution and consumer purchasing channels, showing that pod systems and disposable vapes represent major segments of the market, while offline retail remains the dominant purchasing channel. The findings highlight ongoing compliance challenges in Ukraine’s vape market.
Aug.26
KT&G’s Lil Strengthens Market Lead in Korea as Heated Tobacco Share Reaches 47.4%
KT&G’s Lil Strengthens Market Lead in Korea as Heated Tobacco Share Reaches 47.4%
According to South Korea’s UpKorea, KT&G’s heated tobacco brand Lil reached a 47.4% share of Korea’s heated tobacco stick market in the first quarter of 2026. The company is expanding its next-generation products (NGP) business through product development, technology investment and overseas growth. KT&G reported NGP sales of 890.1 billion won (approximately US$650 million) in 2025, up significantly from 279.3 billion won in 2020. Lil products are now available in 34 markets, while KT&G continues building its technology portfolio through patents and multiple product platforms.
Jul.23
Snowplus Enters Japan’s FamilyMart Network With Zero-Nicotine NEO Line and Kishidan Campaign
Snowplus Enters Japan’s FamilyMart Network With Zero-Nicotine NEO Line and Kishidan Campaign
Snowplus distributor H&S said the zero-nicotine, zero-tar NEO vaping line will begin rolling out across FamilyMart stores in Japan from September 14, 2026, excluding some locations. The DASH line will also be sold at selected FamilyMart stores in southern Kyushu and Okinawa. Snowplus simultaneously named Japanese rock band Kishidan as a brand ambassador, combining convenience-store distribution with a broader consumer marketing push in Japan.
Sep.15
Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns
Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns
Italy and Greece have opposed Ireland’s proposed nicotine product regulations, arguing that the measures could affect EU market coordination and the free movement of products. Ireland plans to introduce stricter rules covering nicotine products including vapes and nicotine pouches, with measures involving packaging, marketing and sales controls. The dispute highlights differences among EU member states between stronger public health protections and maintaining regulatory consistency within the bloc’s single market.
Jul.29
China Tobacco Regulator Deputy Head Visits Laos as Both Sides Strengthen Cooperation on Illegal Tobacco Trade
China Tobacco Regulator Deputy Head Visits Laos as Both Sides Strengthen Cooperation on Illegal Tobacco Trade
China’s official Xinhua News Agency reported that Liu Sanjiang, deputy head and Party group member of China’s tobacco regulator, led a delegation to Laos from July 31 to Aug. 2, 2026, for discussions with Lao authorities on combating cross-border illegal tobacco trade. The two sides discussed areas including law enforcement cooperation, information sharing and efforts to address tobacco-related illegal activities such as counterfeiting and smuggling. The visit highlights cooperation between Chinese and Lao authorities on illicit tobacco control.
News
Aug.05