Bangladesh has enacted a landmark ordinance that bans all emerging tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, effective immediately. The legislation also prohibits tobacco advertising across all media, mandates larger health warnings on packaging, and restricts designated smoking areas, aiming to drastically reduce preventable diseases and youth initiation.
Key Takeaways:
- Total Ban: Vapes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches are now illegal.
- Ad Prohibition: No advertising allowed in print, digital, or at points of sale.
- Packaging Rules: Health warnings must cover 75% of the packet surface.
- Immediate Effect: The ordinance is active but requires parliamentary ratification after February elections.
In a decisive move for public health, the Government of Bangladesh approved the Smoking and Tobacco Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 on December 30, 2025. Following presidential approval, this amendment took immediate effect, introducing a sweeping ban on emerging nicotine products and tightening regulations on traditional tobacco to curb addiction and protect future generations.
Comprehensive Ban on Emerging Nicotine Products
The ordinance targets the rapidly growing market of alternative nicotine delivery systems. It explicitly prohibits the production, import, and sale of:
- Electronic cigarettes (vapes)
- Heated tobacco products
- Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)
- Nicotine pouches
Ashish K Pandey, Director at Vital Strategies, hailed the move as a “significant milestone,” emphasizing that addressing these emerging products is crucial to preventing youth initiation and reducing the burden of preventable diseases.
Stricter Advertising and Packaging Standards
Beyond product bans, the amendment enforces rigorous controls on marketing and presentation to reduce tobacco’s appeal.
| Regulation Area | New Requirements |
|---|---|
| Advertising | Total ban on promotion in print, electronic, digital, social media, and points of sale. |
| CSR Activities | Prohibition of tobacco brand names, logos, or trademarks in corporate social responsibility initiatives. |
| Packaging | Pictorial health warnings must cover at least 75% of the packet. Must include production dates and quit line numbers. |
A Regional Leader in Public Health
The National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC) under the Ministry of Health spearheaded this reform, aligning Bangladesh’s laws with global best practices. While the ordinance is currently active, it awaits final passage by the new Parliament following the elections in February.
By implementing these stricter penalties and comprehensive bans, Bangladesh reinforces its commitment to saving lives and reducing healthcare costs, setting a strong example for tobacco control in the region.
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- Philippines Vape Ban: DTI Targets Open Pods & E-Liquids - January 29, 2026