Tag: vaping ban

Taiwan Bans Vaping, Heat-not-Burn to be Regulated

Credit: sharafmaksumov
Lawmakers in Taiwan passed a ban on vaping products for its third legislative reading Thursday. The measure was necessary to address the increasing popularity of vaping products with the country’s youths, according to officials.
The sale, manufacture, and supply of e-cigarettes will be outlawed, however, heated tobacco products (HTPs) will only be subjected to tighter regulation, according to an amendment to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, according to media reports.
Manufacturers or importers of HTPs will have to submit a health risk evaluation report for review before they can receive a permit. The advertising of heating tobacco products will be banned, wrote CNA.
Other changes involve raising the legal smoking age from 18 to 20, increasing the proportion of tobacco package warning messages from 35 percent to 50 percent, and designating childcare centers as well as schools as no-smoking/no-vaping areas.
The move is hailed as a partial victory for anti-tobacco groups after years of calls for stricter control of cigarettes and novel tobacco products. The last time the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act was amended in Taiwan was in 2009.
Among the contentious parts of the amendment is how flavored tobacco products are to be regulated. Critics say the change is not bold enough as it only prohibits the use of banned additives, but this can present a loophole as the terminology is vague, wrote UDN.
January 13, 2023
California: West Hollywood Apartment Vape Ban to Begin
Credit: Walter Cicchetti
Renters West Hollywood (WeHo), California, will soon be banned from using e-cigarettes inside their apartment. The ordinance also includes the patio or balcony.
A new section of the WeHo municipal code goes into effect Jan. 1 that prohibits smoking in “existing units” in multi-family dwellings, which basically means most apartments and duplex rentals.
The city defines “smoking” as cigarettes, cannabis and tobacco vapes, and other products made from tobacco and/or nicotine, such as heat-not-burn products and hookah, according to media reports.
Those caught breaking the new rule are subject to a fine ranging from $100 to $500. However, violations can not be grounds for eviction or imprisonment.
Using cannabis vapes remains legal if for medical purposes. “The City Council further finds that, in the interest of the public health and welfare, imposing restrictions on smoking or vaping cannabis in the privacy of one’ s residence is not warranted for tenants that consume cannabis for medicinal, therapeutic or recreational purposes,” the council stated. “State law does not allow cannabis smoking in public places and prohibiting cannabis consumption in private units would not leave available safe alternatives.”
December 27, 2022
Macau Blanket Ban on Vaping Takes Effect Monday
Credit: Sean Hsu
Health authorities in Macau on Thursday sent warnings that any private entity caught breaching the upcoming law that prevents people from carrying e-cigarettes across the border could face a fine of between MOP20,000 ($2,505) and MOP200,000. The new rules go into effect on Dec. 5.
The law, passed by lawmakers in August this yea, is aimed at stamping out vaping among the younger generation. The new law bans all activities associated with the production, selling, distribution, import and export of e-cigarettes, according to media reports.
Violators are liable to a penalty of MOP4,000, with organizations found to have breached the law facing a hefty fine that ranges between MOP20,000 and MOP200,000.
The authorities said that they would beef up education to deter underage people from getting their hands on e-cigarettes.
December 2, 2022
Vaping Prohibited at World Cup 2022 in Qatar

Credit: Jean-Luc
The FIFA World Cup 2022 begins Nov. 20 in Qatar. Vapers attending the event should be aware of heavy fines for anyone caught vaping inside any venue.
The strengthened regulation to make venues safe for fans is part of a unique collaboration between FIFA, WHO and the Ministry of Public Health, Qatar, designed to harness the power of football to protect and promote health for all.
This, in turn, will create a blueprint for protecting and promoting health at mass gatherings which can then be shared with other sports organizations., according to the WHO.
“Each of the three partners have long promoted effective tobacco control measures, while also raising awareness around tobacco health hazards,” according to Rayana Bou Haka, a WHO representative to Qatar. “They have also backed the implementation of a tobacco-free policy at FIFA sporting events. Still, evidence shows that successful tobacco-free mega sporting events depend on effective communication and enforcement of policies.”
Vapers will have to leave their e-cigarettes at home for the tournament, as it’s illegal to import, sell or purchase them. Anyone caught with one could be fined up to Riyals10,000 ($2,747) or three months in prison.
Riot Labs CEO Ben Johnson said his company will fines for any vapers caught vaping in Qatar.
“Obviously attending a major football tournament is an incredible life experience for fans but treating Qatar like the beer garden at the local British boozer could land fans in hot water – even for just vaping,” he said. “”Socializing, alcohol, partying, sex – traditionally some of football fans’ favorite escapades – are all examples of major triggers for smoking tobacco and we hope our fines repayment scheme encourages fans to stick to e-cigarettes.”
Adult consumers might not be able to take their vape with them, but they can take nicotine pouches. Pouches are legal in the country.
Qatar will be assigning a team of 80 tobacco inspectors to support FIFA volunteers and security staff in enforcing the FIFA Event Policy on Tobacco during the FIFA World Cup, which runs from Nov. 21 (Nov. 20 EST) to Dec. 18.
“Qatar has been a frontrunner in tobacco control in the region,” said Kholoud Ateeq K M Al-Motawaa, head of noncommunicable disease for Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health. “For the FIFA World Cup, tobacco control measures have been developed for inside and outside stadiums, especially in public places, while tobacco-free environments in fan zones will be rigorously enforced where supporters without tickets can watch games on large screens surrounded by smoke-free air.”
November 15, 2022
Malaysia Pushing Forward on Bill to ‘Endgame’ Vapes

Credit: K Stocker
The Malaysian government is pushing forward a bill that seeks to ban vaping and smoking for those born from 2007, after making amendments following resistance from some lawmakers.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said he hopes the legislation – dubbed a “generational endgame” (GEG) – will receive the support of lawmakers when it is tabled at the next parliament session in October.
It was referred to a parliamentary select committee in August for further scrutiny amid criticism that some of its features would infringe on personal freedom.
“The enforcement powers really are focused and restricted only against distribution, manufacturing and supply,” Khairy said during a Sept. 23 group interview, according to media reports. “We’ve clarified that in the latest amendments, so if you contravene the law in terms of GEG smoking offence, then the enforcement officer cannot frisk you, they cannot take away your computer or your phone or things like that.”
Malaysian lawmakers last month delayed a vote on the bill and referred it to the select committee to examine and make recommendations for improvement.
The bill also bans those born after 2007 from buying, possessing or using tobacco and other related products even after they reach 18.
Shopkeepers and distributors will be prohibited from selling such products to anyone in the age group under the proposal.
September 25, 2022
Macau Approves Law Against E-Cigarettes, Full Ban Possible

The Macau parliament approved an amendment to the law on smoking prevention and control that prohibits the manufacture, distribution, import, export and transport of vaping products in and out of the region.
The law provides for penalties of MOP4,000 ($500) for individuals, with a fine of between MOP20,000 and MOP200,000 for companies.
Although the proposal was unanimously approved, during the debate in the Legislative Assembly, several members said that the government should go further, and impose a total ban on e-cigarettes, reports Macau Business.
Leong Sun Lok expressed concern that the new legislation might increase the smuggling or sale of e-cigarettes through the Internet or lead to an increase in the number of conventional cigarette users.
The Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China’s secretary for social affairs and culture confirmed that they are considering a later ban on e-cigarettes after giving “some time” to smokers who may “still have some in stock.”
Elsie Ao Ieong U also promised to review, within three years, the tax on all tobacco products, which in Macau is around 60 percent of the final price.
Ron Lam U Tou advocated increasing the tax, noting that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a value of 75 percent.
The only Portuguese member in the parliament, José Pereira Coutinho, warned that the legislative revision could harm tourists who are only “passing through,” namely to mainland China, where e-cigarettes are allowed.
The legislative amendment will come into force three months after it is published in the Official Bulletin of the Chinese special administrative region.
The sale, advertising and promotion of e-cigarettes have been prohibited in Macau since 2018.
The government justified the changes to the law with “the strong evidence that this type of tobacco product is harmful to health, and can endanger the safety of people,” recalling that the consumption of e-cigarettes has increased, especially among young people.
The government stressed that e-cigarettes are banned in the neighboring region of Hong Kong and Singapore, and the Taiwanese parliament is also discussing a proposed ban.
August 31, 2022
Thai Health Minister Reiterates Opposition to Vaping

Photo: samart boonprasongthan/EyeEm
Thailand’s health ministry remains opposed to vaping, saying e-cigarettes are affecting the health of consumers of whom more than half are considered youth, reports Bangkok Post.
Speaking at a national conference on cigarettes and public health in Bangkok on Aug. 29, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stressed the need to continue banning e-cigarette imports to protect youth from the health risks associated with vaping.
More than half of the about 80,000 vapers in Thailand are aged 15–24, according to a survey conducted by the National Statistics Office last year.
“This clearly showed vaping has created new smokers, especially young people, while a growing number of international studies found smoking e-cigarettes has negative effects on young people’s brains,” said Charnvirakul.
Pointing to “the experiences of other countries,” Charnvirakul said banning e-cigarettes was the most effective measure to control vaping.
Concerns about illicit trade would be addressed by continued “crackdowns on e-cigarettes smuggled into the country,” he added.
Charnvirakul comments follow discussions about making vapor products legal in Thailand. Earlier this year, the Digital Economy and Society Ministry set up a working group to see if electronic cigarettes could be legalized as an alternative for smokers.
August 31, 2022
Total Ban on Sales of Vaping Products Constitutional

Credit: Kraken Images.
A group of merchants brought a Federal Lawsuit against the Town of Eastchester, New York alleging that the town’s new anti-vaping law was unconstitutional. The law was upheld by a Federal Court in the Southern District of New York.
At the September 3rd, 2019 Town Board meeting, Eastchester was one of the first Towns to adopt a local law to prevent the sale of electronic nicotine-delivery system (ENDS) products within the Town.
The law which is known as “Electronic Nicotine Delivery Product Law” prohibits the sale of tobacco substitutes containing nicotine from being sold in the town, according to a local news source. This includes, but is not limited to: e-cigarettes, vapes, vaporizers, vape pens, lozenges or other candy, drinks, liquid nicotine or other e-liquids or inhalers.
Town Supervisor Anthony Colavita and the Town Board were also the first to opt out of participating in the New York State Marijuana Retail Sales Program as well.
Supervisor Colavita stated, “Keeping our citizens, especially our youth, safe by limiting accessibility to the products specified in our law is our top priority. I am glad the Town of Eastchester prevailed.”
August 11, 2022
Vaping Ban Could Cloud Lam’s Legacy as Hong Kong’s CEO
Credit: Timothy S. Donahue
Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s term may mostly be remembered for her role in the ban on the import and sale of e-cigarettes and other alternatives that has just become law. The ban, first proposed seven years ago, was watered down in 2018 to the permissive regulation that applies to tobacco products.
Opposition to the backdown from medical and education authorities prompted Lam to switch to proposing the full ban in her policy address that year, according to a story in the South China Morning Post. It took lawmakers until last October to pass legislation without exemptions and concessions of one kind or another. Evidence of the effect on consumption of e-cigarettes and the like is that the law has forced some shops selling these products to close.
The most persuasive argument against outlawing the “new tobacco products” was that they were a not so harmful alternative that helped nicotine addicts quit smoking tobacco and perhaps stop altogether. But health minister Sophia Chan Siu-chee said many surveys that supported it were sponsored by tobacco companies.
Essentially the argument hinges on the lack of knowledge of the long-term effects of e-cigarettes and other alternatives, especially on those who begin smoking at a young age. The smoking rate in Hong Kong has fallen to about 10 percent of people aged 15 and above. Ultimately, the prospect of a non-smoking society seems dependent on youth breaking the generational cycle of addiction by not taking up the habit in the first place.
Lam announced in April that she would not seek reelection. Her successor is expected to be picked in May. Hong Kong media have reported this week that Chief Secretary John Lee, the city’s No. 2 leader, is likely to enter the race to succeed Lam.
May 10, 2022
Malaysia Vape Industry Players Want Regulations to Begin
Credit: Krzysztof Wiktor
In order to avoid a total ban vaping products, some Malaysian vaping industry players are urging the government to implement long-delayed regulations for the industry.
The Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) president Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas, in a statement, said a taxation framework for e-liquids with nicotine was supposed to be implemented from Jan. 1 this year, but has been delayed for four months because the Ministry of Health (MoH) still has not implemented regulations for the industry.
The delay has not only left the industry in limbo but has resulted in the government listing more than RM750 million ($172 million) a year in tax revenue, according to the Malay Mail.
“Furthermore, the MoH’s proposal to ban the sale of vape along with cigarettes, although the two products are different, is akin to declaring war on the local vape industry especially for the 3,000 local entrepreneurs and 15,000 employees in the industry,” Ab Manas said.
The president of the Malaysian Vape Industry Advocacy (MIVA), Rizani Zakaria, agrees with Adzwan. Zakaria said the ban is unfair as vape and cigarettes are two very different products.
Rizani was reported saying international studies show vaping is less harmful and can be used to help cigarette smokers quit smoking.
May 6, 2022