Smoking in India
Smoking is legally allowed in India but there exist some specific restrictions. Under these regulations, cigarettes are permitted for sale and can be legally purchased online, while sales through vending machines are not permitted. The importation of cigarettes for trade is allowed with a license. Health warnings on cigarette packaging are required, the minimum legal age for purchase is 18 years, and there are legal restrictions on smoking in public places. Advertising of cigarettes is regulated, which bans all types of advertising. Cigarettes are subject to a specific excise value of 28.92% and a total taxation rate of 57.60%. The current prevalence of smoking among adults aged 15 years and older in Inida was reported to be 9.3% in 2024, reflecting an increase from 8.1% in 2020. The current smoking prevalence among adult males was significantly higher with 16.7% in 2024, compared to 1.4% among adult females that year. This gender disparity has been consistent, as in 2020, the prevalence among males was 14.4% and 1.40% among females. The total number of smokers in 2024 was approximately 100,2 million individuals, showing an increase from 80,481,112 in 2020. Smoking-related mortality remains a significant health concern in India, with 1,048,266 recorded deaths in 2021. This accounts for 8.92% of all deaths in the country. Of these deaths, 233,679 were female deaths, representing 4.59% of all female deaths, while 814,587 were male deaths, accounting for 12.23% of all male deaths. These data underscore the ongoing public health challenges posed by tobacco smoking in India, highlighting the necessity for effective public health measures to reduce smoking prevalence and its associated mortalities.
Read articles from India
February 11, 2026 by reuters.com
Exclusive: India sticks to e-cigarette ban in snub for Philip Morris
India has decided not to ease its ban on e-cigarettes, including heat-not-burn tobacco products, rejecting a long-standing lobbying effort by Philip Morris International to allow such devices. The country implemented this ban in 2019. India is the seventh-largest cigarette market in the world, selling over 100 billion cigarettes annually, and tobacco use causes more than a million deaths each year. Philip Morris, the world's most valuable tobacco company, had aimed to make India a significant market for its IQOS heated tobacco device, which the company claims is less harmful than traditional smoking.
February 10, 2026 by financialexpress.com
Vaping ban up in smoke
Despite the ban, vaping products are widely available in local markets and online. Vapes are seen as a 'cool' choice by many, particularly the younger generation. The ban, ineffective and circumvented, led to a flourishing black market. The ban lacks robust enforcement and is criticized by experts, who suggest a UK-like model. Vapes are considered a safer alternative to traditional tobacco, but health risks remain. The ban's impact on reducing tobacco consumption in India has been questioned. Enforcement of the ban is inconsistent, leading to widespread availability of vapes, particularly through the black market.
January 06, 2026 by freepressjournal.in
Vaping Ban Exists Only On Paper
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.
December 17, 2025 by awazthevoice.in
E-cigarettes banned under law; no NCB cases of drug-laced vapes: Govt
Electronic cigarettes are still banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act. The Narcotics Control Bureau has not investigated cases involving e-cigarettes with illicit substances. The government is vigilant at airports and ports to prevent smuggling, aided by K9 squads. Measures include the 24/7 National Narcotics Helpline 'MANAS' and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan for awareness. There are no current plans to amend the NDPS Act. Recently, a complaint was filed against a TMC MP for using an e-cigarette in the Lok Sabha, violating regulations. The government continues efforts to combat substance abuse, with a focus on youth and women, through various programs.
December 17, 2025 by indiatimes.com
E-cigarettes banned under law; no NCB cases of drug-laced vapes: Nityanand Rai in Rajya Sabha
The Indian government clarified in Parliament that electronic cigarettes remain banned, with no cases related to vape devices with narcotic substances investigated by the Narcotics Control Bureau. Measures to prevent smuggling include vigilance at airports and ports, passenger profiling, and use of detection dogs. The government also highlighted initiatives to combat substance abuse, such as a national narcotics helpline and de-addiction services. E-cigarettes gained attention after a complaint was filed against a Trinamool Congress member for allegedly smoking one in the Lok Sabha. No amendments to the NDPS Act are currently proposed.
December 12, 2025 by deccanchronicle.com
Thakur Files Written Complaint against TMC MP for Smoking e-Cigarette in House
BJP MP Anurag Thakur lodged a complaint with Lok Sabha Speaker against a TMC lawmaker for allegedly smoking an e-cigarette in the House. Thakur cited the incident as a violation of parliamentary decorum and a dangerous message to the youth. He requested immediate inquiry and disciplinary action. Speaker Om Birla promised action upon a formal complaint. E-cigarettes were banned in India a few years ago.
December 12, 2025 by indiatoday.in
Smoking allowed outdoors: Defiant Trinamool MP on Parliament cigarette row
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy dismissed criticism over a video showing him smoking outside Parliament, calling it 'manufactured'. Roy clarified that smoking is allowed outside, not inside. This came after a clip of him smoking went viral. The debate escalated as BJP members raised concerns over smoking violations, including e-cigarettes, inside Parliament. India has banned e-cigarettes. House Speaker Om Birla vowed action if evidence of smoking violations was provided. The focus shifted from public health issues in Delhi to smoking controversies during the Winter Session.
December 12, 2025 by thestatesman.com
Anurag Thakur urges Speaker to act against Trinamool member over using e-cigarette in LS chamber
Former Union Minister and BJP MP Anurag Singh Thakur filed a complaint to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging that an AITMC MP used an electronic cigarette inside the Lok Sabha chamber. Thakur said the act was witnessed by several members and reported to the Chair during Question Hour. In his letter, he described the incident as a serious violation of parliamentary rules and relevant laws.
September 16, 2025 by newsbytesapp.com
Tobacco kills 13.5L Indians yearly, costs nation ₹1.8L crore
Tobacco is a major health issue in India, causing 1.35 million deaths annually. Treating tobacco-related diseases costs over ₹1.77 lakh crore each year. Only 7% of smokers quit without assistance. Healthcare experts recommend smoke-free nicotine alternatives to reduce harm, with studies showing they are significantly safer than cigarettes. Nicotine pouches, now available in 34 countries, including India, could help smokers switch from cigarettes. Public Health England states these alternatives are up to 95% less harmful than smoking. Dr. Soni from AIIMS-CAPFIMS suggests regulating these products to aid smokers in transitioning away from traditional cigarettes.
August 19, 2025 by filtermag.org
Indian Doctors Join Call to End the Country’s Vape Ban
India's vape ban has lasted six years, despite over 1 million smoking-related deaths yearly. Doctors from AIIMS advocate for a reevaluation, suggesting e-cigarettes aid cessation. They challenge the ban despite AIIMS' support. With high tobacco use, advocates call for harm reduction policies like those in the UK. The ban failed, leading to a booming illicit market. Public health experts urge a review for a safer approach. Doctors witness smoking's harm daily, supporting a reevaluation for better public health. Researchers emphasize the need for evidence-based policies to combat smoking's devastating impact.
- Page 1 of 13