Read articles from Vietnam

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.

December 17, 2025 by filtermag.org

Vietnam recently amended its Investment Law to extend the ban on nicotine vapes and heated tobacco products. The move strengthens the existing prohibition, including personal use. The World Health Organization supported Vietnam's decision, claiming benefits such as reduced youth usage. However, experts question the evidence behind the ban's alleged positive effects. With a high smoking rate, Vietnam’s tobacco regulations face challenges. Critics highlight conflicts of interest, as the state-owned tobacco company dominates the market. The ban may fuel an illicit market, impacting neighboring countries like Laos and Thailand. Overall, the policy is seen as prioritizing economic interests over harm reduction and evidence-based policymaking.

December 12, 2025 by vietnamnews.vn

The World Health Organisation praises Vietnam's National Assembly for banning e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to protect public health. The decision, made a year ago and reinforced this week, aims to safeguard young people from the harmful effects of nicotine on brain development and long-term health risks. The WHO emphasizes that allowing any loopholes in the ban would undermine its effectiveness. Dr. Angela Pratt highlights the importance of upholding the ban to prioritize health over short-term economic gains. Restrictions on investment and commercial activities related to these products are crucial to enforcing the ban effectively.

December 12, 2025 by vnanet.vn

WHO Representative in Vietnam Dr Angela Pratt said, “WHO is delighted with the decision to include e-cigarettes and HTPs in the list of banned enterprises under the Investment Law, without exceptions. This is crucial for upholding the National Assembly’s ban on these products – Resolution 173.”

December 12, 2025 by vnanet.vn

WHO Representative in Vietnam Dr Angela Pratt said, “WHO is delighted with the decision to include e-cigarettes and HTPs in the list of banned enterprises under the Investment Law, without exceptions. This is crucial for upholding the National Assembly’s ban on these products – Resolution 173.”

November 28, 2025 by tuoitre.vn

The WHO is calling on Vietnam to explicitly add e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to its banned investment list. Although a nationwide ban on their production, trade, import, and use is set to take effect in 2025, the products are still widely available. WHO warns that failing to include them in the Investment Law may leave loopholes for companies to continue producing or exporting them. The organization also points to hospital data showing a significant decrease in related emergency cases after the ban, arguing this strengthens the case for stricter legal measures.

April 23, 2025 by filtermag.org

Vietnam battles a significant smoking issue, with over 100,000 deaths annually. Despite economic growth, per capita income remains low. The country recently banned nicotine vapes, potentially due to protecting the government-owned tobacco industry and influenced by misinformation. The ban could lead to thriving illicit markets, while ignoring evidence that vaping bans may increase smoking rates. Contrary to facts, various organizations, including Bloomberg Philanthropies and the WHO, support the ban. The UK’s success with reducing smoking using alternative nicotine products is overlooked. Proponents argue for safer options, highlighting that bans may harm public health.

April 16, 2025 by tuoitre.vn

Vendors on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok are continuing to sell e-cigarettes and related products by disguising them with names such as “fruit syrup,” “nose inhalers,” or “aroma machines.” Some livestream sellers hide these items among regular products like toothbrushes and perfumes to avoid detection. In Ho Chi Minh City, a Facebook group with over 13,000 members actively trades vaping devices, with daily posts offering products ranging in price from VND100,000 to over VND1 million. At the same time, many young people continue using e-cigarettes in public places, highlighting ongoing concerns about regulation and public health.

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.