Vietnam's Ban on E-Cigarettes May Worsen Tobacco Harm Reduction

According to a report from Manilastandard on January 8th, tobacco harm reduction experts have warned that Vietnam's plan to ban e-cigarettes could deprive smokers of the opportunity to access better alternatives and may cause them to continue smoking.

Asa Saligupta, the head of Thailand's anti-smoking group (ECST), stated that Vietnam's ban on e-cigarettes goes against the global trend of regulation on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. He warned that this move could potentially undermine the harm reduction efforts in Southeast Asia.

The ban on e-cigarettes will only push users towards the black market, which is beyond the regulatory agency's control over product quality and standards. Even worse, this will likely tempt e-cigarette users to return to smoking cigarettes, which is the most dangerous way to consume nicotine.

Saligupta recommends that Vietnam should follow in the footsteps of the Philippines by regulating e-cigarettes and other smokeless products to provide smokers with better alternatives and to ensure that these products are not used by minors.

Public health experts have stated that in countries such as the UK, Japan, and Sweden, non-smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and oral nicotine have helped millions of smokers quit, leading to a rapid decline in smoking rates in these countries.

Anton Israel, chairman of the Philippines Nicotine Consumers Union (NCUP), pointed out that "a ban will only drive these smokeless products underground, resulting in government revenue loss and depriving smokers of better options.

Dr. Lorenzo Mata Jr., chairman of the Quit For Good organization, emphasized the importance of regulating nicotine products and enforcing age restrictions to prevent underage use.

Joey Dulay, the chairman of the Philippine E-Cigarette Industry Association (PECIA), stated that criminalizing the use of technology to reduce the harm of smoking will hinder harm reduction efforts and research and development.

Canadian public health law expert Professor David Sweanor believes that banning e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and other smokeless devices is inconsistent with public health policy.

The Vietnamese National Assembly has passed a resolution in early December 2024 to ban the production, trade, import, storage, transportation, and use of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and other related substances starting from 2025.