Venezuela Imposes Ban on Use and Sale of E-cigarettes

According to a report from the Associated Press on August 3rd, the health authorities in Venezuela have announced their decision to ban the use, production, and importation of e-cigarettes.

The Ministry of Health in Venezuela has announced in a statement that it will prohibit the manufacturing, storage, distribution, circulation, marketing, import, export, use, consumption, advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of e-cigarettes.

The resolution emphasizes that it is the responsibility of owners or managers of national institutions, commercial establishments, public transportation, public sector offices, private areas, and public spaces, regardless of their purpose, to ensure compliance with this standard. They must display a clear notice warning against "the consumption or provision of e-cigarette management systems (SEN) and other accessories" in any way to the public.

This ban was announced nearly 40 days after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro requested health authorities to consider "whether it is possible to ban the sale of these harmful devices that cause lung and bronchial diseases" within the country's territory. As early as June of this year, President Maduro demonstrated the use of an e-cigarette on a national television program, explaining the dangers it poses to the lungs and bronchial system to the public.

While specific punitive measures are not mentioned in the relevant regulations, it will be determined that individuals who violate the prohibition will be subject to punishment and sanctions in accordance with current laws and resolutions.

According to a report on August 5th by Phoenix News, the ban has placed local e-cigarette distributors in dire straits. According to industry insiders, many e-cigarette stores have been forced to close down, with a majority of their products being removed from shelves. This has resulted in more than 5,000 employees becoming unemployed.

Reference In journalistic English, the translation for "参考文献" would be "reference.

Venezuelan government bans the use and commercialization of electronic cigarettes.

Venezuela has issued a decree banning the use or sale of e-cigarettes and ordering the closure of vape stores.