Vietnam has significantly tightened its regulations on electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, introducing substantial fines for both users and those who facilitate their use. Under the newly issued Decree 371, effective December 31, individuals caught using these devices face fines ranging from 3 million to 5 million dong (approximately US$114–$190). Authorities are also empowered to confiscate and destroy the offending products.
The crackdown extends to property owners and managers. Individuals who allow others to use e-cigarettes or heated tobacco on their premises can be fined between 5 million and 10 million dong. For organizations, these penalties double, reaching up to 20 million dong. The decree defines e-cigarettes as devices heating liquids to create inhalable aerosol, and heated tobacco products as those heating processed tobacco without combustion.
This regulatory tightening precedes a comprehensive ban agreed upon by Vietnam’s National Assembly in November. Starting in 2025, the production, trading, importation, storage, transportation, and use of these products will be prohibited to protect public health. Health Minister Dao Hong Lan cited negative health impacts, including addiction and serious illnesses like cancer and respiratory diseases, as drivers for the ban.
Officials are particularly concerned about the rapid spread of these products among youth. Usage among students aged 13–17 rose from 2.6% in 2019 to 8.1% in 2023. In 2023 alone, over 1,200 people were hospitalized due to illnesses linked to these devices. Vietnam joins a growing list of countries taking a hard line against new-generation tobacco products.
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