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May 06, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

India banned e-cigarettes in 2019 following WHO guidelines, influenced by tobacco control groups and economic factors. Despite court challenges, the ban was supported by the government, significant tobacco donations, and lack of local research. The decision was driven by political and financial interests rather than public health, denying over 100 million smokers access to safer nicotine consumption methods. The regulatory pathway favored by courts was ignored, leading to a ban that benefitted the tobacco industry. Juul's entry into India and foreign expertise also played a role in the outcome, as local industry voices were absent from the debate.

May 06, 2024 by vietnamnet.vn

There are debates over banning e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products as the Ministry of Health proposed a ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products whereas the Ministry of Industry and Trade wants to legalize the two products. Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan said that the Ministry of Health has submitted many documents to the Government and to the Ministry of Industry and Trade clearly expressing the ministry's views on this issue.

April 30, 2024 by pna.gov.ph

AnaKalusugan Party-list Rep. Ray T. Reyes urged transferring vape regulation from the Department of Trade and Industry to the Food and Drug Administration due to concerns about vape-related lung injuries among youth. He called for a review of Republic Act 11900 and emphasized the need to enforce vaping laws, especially for minors, following a significant rise in teenage vape users. Reports of EVALI cases and minors violating smoking laws highlight the risks associated with vaping products. Reyes stressed the importance of revising regulations to prioritize public health and safety.

April 29, 2024 by news-medical.net

A study in BMC Public Health analyzed sensation-seeking behavior and e-cigarette use among Indonesian adolescents. E-cigarettes are increasingly popular, especially among youth, with Indonesia having high smoking rates. Flavored e-cigarettes are thought to attract young users and reduce harm perceptions. The study surveyed 1,799 respondents aged 15–24, finding males more likely to use e-cigarettes and dual users at 8.5%. Fruit, candy, and menthol were top flavors. Sensation-seeking correlated with e-cigarette use, and a ban on flavors could deter initiation. Different flavor preferences suggest varied appeal among users. The study recommends regulating e-cigarette flavors to curb usage.

April 23, 2024 by indiatimes.com

India failed to differentiate between traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products. Despite acknowledging these differences for taxation, the ban on e-cigarettes remained uniform. The country, grappling with a high number of smokers, should consider harm reduction strategies like other nations. India's focus on tobacco control has had limited success, with a significant burden of tobacco-related diseases. The government must explore safer alternatives and tailor regulations based on toxicant levels.

April 22, 2024 by akipress.com

Kazakhstan has banned vapes through amendments signed by President Tokayev. Violations will incur fines up to $16,500 and potential imprisonment. The law includes criminal penalties for importing, producing, and selling vapes, with restrictions on advertising for such products. Devices heating liquids, with or without nicotine, for inhalable aerosols are affected. The law will be enacted 60 days after publication.

April 17, 2024 by thestar.com.my

Many ministries affirm that heated cigarettes fall under tobacco laws, regulated since 2012. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is developing rules to manage electronic and heated tobacco products. The Law on Prevention and Control of Harmful Effects of Tobacco defines tobacco products based on ingredients, not production methods. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control includes heated tobacco as a tobacco product. The 2018 World Health Organization recognizes heated cigarettes as tobacco and advises national regulation. Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan stresses the importance of regulating new cigarettes under existing laws.

April 15, 2024 by straitstimes.com

Vaping-related respiratory issues are a concern, with patients often not disclosing their vaping history to doctors. Cases are not systematically tracked in hospitals, hindering treatment. Singapore has seen vaping-related breathing problems, requiring specialized treatments like lung washing. Globally, vaping's popularity has surged, especially among teenagers and young adults. Despite claims of being a healthier alternative, the World Health Organization urges treating e-cigarettes like tobacco and banning flavors.

April 12, 2024 by trend.az

Uzbekistan's Ministry of Health plans to ban electronic nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes, and tobacco heating systems. The draft law aims to prohibit their circulation in the country, with proposed penalties ranging from a $1,000 fine to five years of imprisonment for violations. Despite this, Uzbekistan's tobacco production reached 2.1 billion pieces in the first two months of 2024. Tobacco exports amounted to $7.8 million, with imports totaling $10.5 million during the same period.

April 10, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Nepal is set to prohibit e-cigarettes due to increasing youth use, with imports reaching 3.2 million in 2023. Despite studies suggesting vaping is safer than smoking, officials warn of equal harm. A survey reveals a rise in tobacco use, with 34.1% of Nepalese and varying percentages across age groups consuming tobacco, partly due to hookah and e-cigarette popularity. Researchers advocate for stricter enforcement of anti-smoking laws and increased public awareness to combat the issue.