Read articles from Asia

January 19, 2026 by focustaiwan.tw

Starting from Feb. 1, travelers entering Taiwan can bring 200 duty-free heated tobacco sticks, bought in Taiwan airports, due to health approval rules. Only approved products can be brought in to comply with the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. Those found with unapproved items may face fines. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has designated two companies with approved heated tobacco products for sale in Taiwan. Travelers are advised to buy these products in duty-free shops to prevent violations. The Health Promotion Administration will educate the public on these regulations.

January 19, 2026 by bbc.com

Singapore is cracking down on e-cigarettes like vapes and K-pods, banning them since 2018 to combat drug-laced products. Severe penalties now include fines, caning, and jail time. Customs officers are vigilant, finding hidden vapes in various vehicles at checkpoints. An extensive public health campaign warns of vaping dangers, with a hotline for reporting offenders. The government aims to prevent a rise in drug usage, particularly targeting youths. While the strict measures have support, some criticize the ban as excessive, believing adults should choose for themselves.

January 16, 2026 by cambodianess.com

Despite Cambodia's bans on electronic cigarettes since 2014, the circulation of vapes persists due to weak enforcement, creating concerns over youth addiction and public health risks. Despite a reinforced ban in October 2025, illicit trading continues, with recent seizures and arrests. Analysts emphasize that strict enforcement and community involvement are crucial to combat the issue. E-cigarettes are particularly harmful to youth, with nicotine impacting brain development and causing organ damage. Coordinated government actions are needed to eliminate vaping, including blocking imports and tightening online advertising controls. Parents and communities are urged to discourage vape use and report illegal sales.

January 14, 2026 by scmp.com

A survey by the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) found that 90% of residents back stronger smoking control, and raising tobacco tax could reduce smoking rates over the next decade. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) study, commissioned by COSH, revealed support for expanded smoke-free areas and a smoking ban in outdoor spaces. Conducted from December 2024 to May the following year, the survey had 5,600 participants, including smokers, former smokers, and non-smokers. Assistant Dean Kelvin Wang Man-ping highlighted widespread public support for increased no-smoking areas as a means to protect public health.

January 09, 2026 by tobaccoreporter.com

Pakistan's Senate Committee approved the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Bill to regulate vaping amid concerns of youth usage. The bill imposes strict controls, including banning sales near educational institutions, setting a minimum age of 18, and prohibiting vaping in public spaces. It aligns vape regulations with traditional tobacco products, enforcing advertising bans and product standards. Penalties include fines up to Rs 50,000 ($175) for offenders. The bill awaits Senate discussion after inter-ministerial review, indicating increased oversight in Pakistan's vaping industry.

January 08, 2026 by filtermag.org

Millions die in the Asia-Pacific region annually due to smoking, with governments in the area restricting safer nicotine alternatives, despite their efficacy in reducing smoking rates. Combustible cigarettes pose significant health risks due to the toxic chemicals from combustion. Smoke-free options like vaping and heated tobacco offer lower risks, aiding in smoking cessation when properly regulated. Bans and high prices protect the cigarette market but harm public health. Governments like Vietnam and Bangladesh have enforced bans, while countries like New Zealand and Sweden have successfully reduced smoking through pragmatic regulations. Embracing harm reduction, rather than prohibition, can save lives in the Asia-Pacific region, where smoking-related deaths are high.

January 08, 2026 by 2firsts.com

The Senate approved the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill, aiming to control the sale and use of vapes and e-cigarettes in Islamabad. Key points include restrictions on sales near schools, bans on advertising, and proposed penalties for violations. The bill also sets standards for packaging and nicotine levels, with strict age verification for online sales. If passed, vaping would be prohibited in various public settings. Violators could face fines up to Rs50,000. Ministries are finalizing enforcement measures before presenting the bill in the Senate.

January 06, 2026 by freepressjournal.in

The vaping ban, ineffective in practice, has led to a surge in smuggling of e-cigarettes into India, contributing to health risks and substance abuse concerns among youths. The ban, aiming to protect teenagers, has inadvertently made vapes more accessible, with loopholes exploited by smugglers. Experts note the dangers of unregulated vaping, highlighting risks of addiction and health issues. While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking in some countries, its uncontrolled spread in India raises alarms. Despite regulations, vaping products are openly sold online, fueling a growing market worth $2.2 billion. Addressing these issues through public awareness campaigns is crucial, given the lax enforcement and the significant number of cigarette smokers in the country.

January 05, 2026 by laotiantimes.com

Vietnam has banned e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to safeguard public health, imposing fines on users and property owners. The Ministry of Health warns of health risks like addiction, cancer, and respiratory issues. Enforced from December 31, 2025, violations can lead to fines between VND 3-10 million. Vietnam joins five other Southeast Asian countries in outlawing these products, supported by the World Health Organization. Similar measures were also taken by Laos in 2021. The move aims to curb rising usage, especially among youth, with health concerns leading to over 1,200 hospitalizations in 2023.

January 05, 2026 by laotiantimes.com

Vietnam has banned e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to safeguard public health, imposing fines on users and property owners. The Ministry of Health warns of health risks like addiction, cancer, and respiratory issues. Enforced from December 31, 2025, violations can lead to fines between VND 3-10 million. Vietnam joins five other Southeast Asian countries in outlawing these products, supported by the World Health Organization. Similar measures were also taken by Laos in 2021. The move aims to curb rising usage, especially among youth, with health concerns leading to over 1,200 hospitalizations in 2023.