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.

2Firsts Hosts China Market Forum at InterTabac as Global Industry Attention to China’s Tobacco Sector Deepens
2Firsts Hosts China Market Forum at InterTabac as Global Industry Attention to China’s Tobacco Sector Deepens
On September 16, 2Firsts hosted a China-focused industry forum during InterTabac in Dortmund, bringing together more than 30 participants from North America, Europe, India, South Korea and other markets. The session covered traditional tobacco, next-generation products, exports, technology, regulation and supply chains, while examining how China’s tobacco sector operates, where its transformation may be heading, and why its growing role matters increasingly to companies across the global tobacco and nicotine industry.
Sep.21
How Large Is France’s Off-Channel Tobacco Market? Logista Says It Has Become Structural, While the Official Estimate Is 17.7% and Some Industry Studies Put It Above 50%
How Large Is France’s Off-Channel Tobacco Market? Logista Says It Has Become Structural, While the Official Estimate Is 17.7% and Some Industry Studies Put It Above 50%
Logista France says tobacco consumption outside France’s official tobacconist network has become a large and structural market phenomenon, but official and industry estimates differ sharply. France’s TAFE study estimates that 17.7% of tobacco consumption escaped domestic taxation in 2023, with most of that volume attributed to cross-border purchasing rather than street sales. Some industry studies use broader off-channel definitions and put the figure above 50%. Meanwhile, French Customs seized 547.94 tonnes of tobacco in 2025, up 12%, showing continued pressure from illicit trade.
Sep.04
Canada Considers Easing Pharmacy-Only Nicotine Pouch Sales Rules, Potentially Reopening Convenience Store Channel
Canada Considers Easing Pharmacy-Only Nicotine Pouch Sales Rules, Potentially Reopening Convenience Store Channel
Canada's federal government is considering changes to current restrictions on where nicotine pouches can be sold, potentially allowing authorized products to return to convenience stores and other general retail channels, although no decision has been made. Since 2024, emerging nicotine replacement therapy products such as nicotine pouches have been largely restricted to behind-the-counter pharmacy sales. Health Canada, meanwhile, continues to recall unauthorized and higher-strength nicotine pouches, indicating that the current discussion concerns retail access for authorized products rather than a broad relaxation of nicotine pouch regulation.
Sep.14
Product | VAPORESSO Launches PRIX MTL Pod, With NFC Version Linking Interchangeable Panels to On-Screen Animations
Product | VAPORESSO Launches PRIX MTL Pod, With NFC Version Linking Interchangeable Panels to On-Screen Animations
VAPORESSO introduced the PRIX MTL pod system in August 2026 in two versions, Filter and NFC. The Filter version allows users to switch between a conventional drip tip and a filter tip, while the NFC version links interchangeable panels to matching on-screen animations. PRIX features a 2,600mAh battery, a 5.5ml pod, a 0.87-inch TFT display and a maximum output of 40W, alongside Dual Mesh Impact Pods capable of operating at two resistance and power configurations. VAPORESSO's French website lists MSRP at $39.99 for the Filter version and $49.90 for the NFC version.
Market
Aug.24 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Pennsylvania Lists 163 Vape Products Eligible for Sale, Including Vuse and JUUL; Previously Pending Chinese Brands Such as OXBAR Remain Absent, While Unlisted Products Including Geek Bar Face Enforcement From October 19
Pennsylvania Lists 163 Vape Products Eligible for Sale, Including Vuse and JUUL; Previously Pending Chinese Brands Such as OXBAR Remain Absent, While Unlisted Products Including Geek Bar Face Enforcement From October 19
Pennsylvania begins enforcing its electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) directory restrictions on October 19, 2026. The October 18 directory contained 163 product records from seven manufacturers, including Vuse, JUUL, NJOY, Logic and Naked 100. Geek Bar, RAZ and Lost Mary were absent. BAT, Altria, Japan Tobacco and JUUL collectively accounted for 112 records, or 68.7%, while Imperial Brands' blu had no listings. The directory included 15 disposable vape records, 40 bottled e-liquids and 10 products labeled 0mg, but no open-system refillable devices. Twenty-two manufacturer certifications remained under review. Four Logic models corresponding to Smoore's pending records were listed under the brand owner, while LYCO, OXBAR and Boulder/Rock had no approved directory entries.
Regulations
Oct.19
NAS 2026 | FDA CTP Director Says PMTA Pathway Is “Predicated on Tobacco Harm Reduction”
NAS 2026 | FDA CTP Director Says PMTA Pathway Is “Predicated on Tobacco Harm Reduction”
At the 2026 New Approaches Summit in New York, FDA Center for Tobacco Products Director Bret Koplow said the PMTA pathway is “predicated on tobacco harm reduction.” He outlined four CTP priorities: youth prevention, helping adults quit or switch to lower-risk products, improving relative-risk communication, and reducing unauthorized products. Koplow also addressed flavored e-cigarettes, public risk perceptions, industry credibility and efforts to make PMTA reviews more efficient and predictable.
Sep.26