Read articles from Asia

February 04, 2025 by einpresswire.com

Advocacy organisations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific - In a united effort, representing millions of adult consumers who use nicotine products that do not involve combustion, have sent a letter to the Special Rapporteur to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The correspondence addresses recent comments made in a recent report regarding the validity of Tobacco Harm Reduction and urges the United Nations to recognize its importance in promoting public health.

January 27, 2025 by asianews.network

The Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, passed in 2023, resulted in a surge of 9.5 million new smokers in the Philippines, with 1 million being adolescents. The law was intended to regulate e-cigarettes but inadvertently increased smoking rates. Lung cancer is now a major concern due to vaping, with health experts urging amendments to the law, such as raising the vaping age to 25 and restricting flavors. Various groups oppose the law, viewing it as a retrogressive measure. Urgent action is needed to reverse the harmful effects, including stricter implementation and anti-smoking campaigns covering all tobacco products.

January 27, 2025 by inform.kz

Uzbekistan has officially banned the circulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems, including electronic cigarettes and related liquids, with the adoption of a new law by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament), as reported by Trend. This legislation, passed in its third reading, aims to enhance regulations on tobacco and nicotine-related products. The new law imposes a strict ban on the production, storage, transportation, import, and export of electronic nicotine delivery systems in the country.

January 24, 2025 by scmp.com

Hong Kong authorities plan to ban e-cigarette cartridges in public areas as part of a citywide effort to reduce vaping and smoking rates to 7.8%. The legislative proposals include banning alternative smoking products and flavored cigarettes. Business leaders worry about the impact on tourism and business. The ban is expected to be implemented in two phases, with the first phase prohibiting smoking and possession of smoking-related materials in public places. The second phase will expand the possession ban citywide. Proposals will be presented to the Legislative Council in the first quarter of this year.

January 22, 2025 by asianews.network

The ACC plans to request the removal of Saima Wazed Putul from her role as WHO Southeast Asia Region director due to alleged corruption and criminal activities, including fabricated credentials, illegal acquisitions, and financial misconduct. The letter sent through government channels accuses Putul of misusing state resources, extorting funds, and harming Bangladesh's reputation. The ACC filed a case against her and highlighted misappropriation of public funds. ACC's director general emphasized ongoing independent investigations. Putul's continued position at WHO is deemed inappropriate given the corruption allegations.

January 21, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Bangladesh has enforced a ban on vapes and nicotine pouch imports to prioritize public health, despite protests from vape trade groups. British American Tobacco plans to expand production in the country, aiming to meet growing cigarette demand. The ban has sparked concerns about depriving adult smokers of safer options and its economic impact. Notably, harm reduction strategies involving low-risk tobacco products have proven successful in reducing smoking rates in other countries like Sweden and New Zealand. The ban aligns with the government's efforts to combat high tobacco consumption rates, particularly among men in Bangladesh.

January 20, 2025 by vnexpress.net

Vietnam's Ministry of Health is proposing fines of VND1-2 million for using e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, with penalties doubled for repeat offenses. Violators face reporting to authorities or schools, product confiscation, and destruction under the new draft. E-cigarette and heated tobacco products are now banned, with penalties up to VND1 billion or 5 years' imprisonment. Concerns are high due to rising usage, especially among youth, leading to health risks, addiction, and drug-lacing issues. The ministry aims to combat this trend, as cases involving drugs in these products are on the rise according to the Ministry of Public Security.

January 14, 2025 by eurasianet.org

Uzbekistan’s parliament has taken initial steps to ban e-cigarettes, following Kyrgyzstan’s similar move in late 2024. A recently approved bill would prohibit the use, import, export, manufacture, and transport of electronic nicotine delivery systems, though its application to foreign tourists remains unclear. The ban is based on health concerns, citing e-cigarettes' harmful chemical compounds and environmental impact. Advocacy groups, like the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, highlight their marketing towards children. Kyrgyzstan’s ban is set to take effect in July 2025, joining over two dozen nations worldwide with similar restrictions.

January 13, 2025 by taipeitimes.com

Enforcement of the e-cigarette ban in Taiwan has been inadequate since the law was amended in 2023. Only a small percentage of cases resulted in fines, with 1,247 fines issued out of 500,000 cases. These fines were for selling e-cigarettes, heated tobacco devices, and illegal use, indicating a lack of proper enforcement. The presence of "zombie vapes" with anesthetic drugs like etomidate poses further risks to public health. Legislative Yuan is calling for increased inspections and public awareness to prevent the negative impacts of e-cigarettes. The Executive Yuan is collaborating across ministries to strengthen control measures and crack down on e-cigarette-related illegal activities.

January 10, 2025 by hindustantimes.com

The Rajasthan High Court has raised serious concerns regarding the online sale of e-cigarettes, describing the enforcement mechanisms as inadequate despite existing laws prohibiting their sale. A bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice Uma Shanker Vyas issued directives for authorities to file an affidavit outlining the steps taken to address the issue. While hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), the court noted the significant challenge posed by the online availability of e-cigarettes and highlighted the lack of tangible results from enforcement efforts. The central government informed the court that implementing the ban is the responsibility of state governments and that instructions had been issued to them accordingly.