Kyrgyzstan’s Vape Ban: Clean Lungs or Dirty Lobbying?
November 07, 2024 by thediplomat.com
Kyrgyzstan’s Vape Ban: Clean Lungs or Dirty Lobbying?
Kyrgyzstan's parliament passed a law banning e-cigarettes to protect youth health, but excluded heated tobacco products. Concerns exist regarding lobbying influence, legislative changes, and press freedom restrictions. Disparities in fines and corruption risks were raised by Deputy Bekeshev and Surabaldieva. The law enforces strict penalties, impacting the budget, potentially boosting illicit markets, and leading to regulatory violations. Major players can still manufacture for export, with debate over potential monopolization and WTO compliance. The influence of tobacco companies is highlighted, impacting legislative decisions.
26.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 1.1 million current smokers in Kyrgyzstan 50.10% of men are current smokers but only 3.30% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
