Vietnam Reports Surge in Local Production and Smuggling of E-Cigarettes

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has reported that new-generation tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, are not only being smuggled into the country but are also produced domestically. Companies and individuals are importing components and e-liquids in large quantities for local manufacturing, Baovanhoa reported on November 20.

A report from the department detailed several cases:

• July 11, 2024 (Hai Phong): Police in Thuy Nguyen District raided the Friends Hotel in Chu Vuon Hamlet, Kenh Giang Commune, uncovering 106,833 e-cigarette products, 95,710 milliliters of e-liquid, and numerous components and tools for production. The facility was operated by Vietnamese personnel under the management of Chinese nationals.

• September 29, 2023 (Ho Chi Minh City): The Economic Crime Police in Tan Binh District found Hapina LLC producing counterfeit e-cigarettes labeled as American products. Authorities seized over 100,000 products, chemicals, and components valued at 121 billion VND ($480,000). A suspect was charged with "producing and selling counterfeit goods."

• October 5, 2023 (Ha Nam): Ha Nam Provincial Police, in collaboration with market regulators, discovered Vinh Phat Technology Co. engaged in e-cigarette processing and production in Phu Ly. Over 108,000 e-cigarette products were confiscated, and the company was fined for "selling goods without traceable origins."

• October 13, 2023 (Bac Ninh): Market regulators and Bac Ninh Provincial Police confiscated 103,000 e-cigarette products from Thien Long Electronics Co. in Thuan Thanh District. Administrative penalties were issued for "illegally importing goods."

The Ministry of Public Security has raised concerns about the growing issue of drugs being mixed into e-cigarettes, particularly through online platforms and e-commerce sites. In September 2023, authorities shut down a major drug-laced e-cigarette production facility in Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, led by Le Anh Tho.

To tackle this problem, the Ministry submitted a report to the Deputy Prime Minister on January 4, 2023, calling for stronger public awareness campaigns, stricter inspections, and tougher penalties on violations.

On May 13, 2024, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính issued Emergency Directive No. 47, urging law enforcement to intensify crackdowns on illegal activities involving new-generation tobacco products, especially drug-laced e-cigarettes.