Uzbekistan launching effort to ban electronic cigarettes
January 14, 2025 by eurasianet.org
Uzbekistan launching effort to ban electronic cigarettes
Uzbekistan’s parliament has taken initial steps to ban e-cigarettes, following Kyrgyzstan’s similar move in late 2024. A recently approved bill would prohibit the use, import, export, manufacture, and transport of electronic nicotine delivery systems, though its application to foreign tourists remains unclear. The ban is based on health concerns, citing e-cigarettes' harmful chemical compounds and environmental impact. Advocacy groups, like the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, highlight their marketing towards children. Kyrgyzstan’s ban is set to take effect in July 2025, joining over two dozen nations worldwide with similar restrictions.
10.60% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.5 million current smokers in Uzbekistan 20.40% of men are current smokers but only 1.00% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
