The United Kingdom’s recent announcement to ban the sale of disposable vapes is part of a growing global trend to limit access to e-cigarettes, particularly to curb their use among children. The UK’s decision comes amidst rising concerns about the popularity of vaping among youth, with 9% of 11- to 15-year-olds reportedly using vapes.
US Struggles with E-Cigarette Regulation and Enforcement
In the United States, electronic nicotine delivery systems have been a public health concern since their introduction in 2007. Monthly e-cigarette sales in the US increased from 15.5 million units in 2020 to 22.7 million in 2022, according to a recent CDC study. Despite the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulating e-cigarettes and authorizing only 23 products and devices, enforcement has proven challenging, with more than 11,500 unique vaping products being sold in US stores.
Global Landscape: 121 Countries Regulate E-Cigarettes
According to a 2023 World Health Organization report, 121 countries or territories regulate electronic nicotine delivery systems. This includes 33 countries that have banned their sale and 87 that have implemented regulations such as age restrictions on sales, advertising bans, and prohibiting vaping in public indoor areas.
33 of the countries that have banned the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes include:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Cabo Verde
- Cambodia
- North Korea
- Ethiopia
- Gambia
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Mexico*
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Oman
- Panama
- Qatar
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Suriname
- Syria
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
Lack of Regulation in Many Countries
Despite the growing global concern, 74 countries with a total population of more than 2 billion people have no regulations in place regarding electronic nicotine delivery systems. The WHO report notes that 40% of middle-income countries and 79% of low-income countries have taken no regulatory action.
As more countries grapple with the public health implications of e-cigarettes, particularly their impact on youth, it is likely that we will see an increase in regulations and bans on the sale of these products worldwide.
- Spain to Ban Vaping in All Smoke-Free Public Spaces - June 26, 2025
- Illinois Triples Vape Tax to 45%, Cigarette Tax Also Rises - June 26, 2025
- Indonesian Vape Group Criticizes Jakarta’s Draft Vaping Law - June 23, 2025