The electronic cigarette business is prohibited according to the latest regulations

Electronic cigarette business is a popular profession, however, according to the latest regulations, this activity will be completely banned in 2025. This article will clarify the relevant legal regulations, penalties for violations, and the reason for the ban, helping customers clearly understand and comply with regulations.

Official ban on electronic cigarette business from 2025

Resolution No. 173/2024/QH15 of the National Assembly on questioning activities at the 8th Session, the 15th National Assembly officially approved the regulation banning electronic cigarette business. This regulation will take effect from 2025, with a comprehensive scope of application including production, business, import and use activities.

According to the content of the Resolution, the National Assembly agreed to completely ban the production, business, import, harboring, transportation and use of electronic cigarettes and heated cigarettes. This regulation also applies to other gases and narcotics that are harmful to human health.

The Ministry of Health has pointed out that e-cigarettes contain at least 60 dangerous chemical compounds in the solution and emitted smoke/gas. Although they do not contain traditional tobacco, these products are still highly addictive due to their high nicotine content.

This decision is intended to protect public health, especially young people, and maintain social order and safety.

Penalties for administrative violations

 For organizations

Individuals and organizations violating the e-cigarette ban will be administratively sanctioned according to the provisions of Decree 98/2020/ND-CP (amended and supplemented by Decree 17/2022/ND-CP). Specifically:

• Fine from 1,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND for prohibited goods worth less than 3,000,000 VND;
• Fine from 30,000,000 VND to 50,000,000 VND for prohibited goods worth from 30,000,000 VND to under 50,000,000 VND;
• Fine from 90,000,000 VND to 100,000,000 VND for prohibited goods worth 100,000,000 VND or more.

In addition, violating organizations are also subject to additional sanctions such as:

• Confiscate all evidence of violation.
• Confiscation of means of transport.
• Revocation of the right to use a business license for 3-6 months.

 For individuals

Individuals who violate will be fined at a lower level than organizations (equal to half the fine for organizations):

• Fine from 500,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND for goods worth less than 1,500,000 VND;
• Fine from 15,000,000 VND to 25,000,000 VND for goods worth from 15,000,000 VND to under 25,000,000 VND;
• Fine from 45,000,000 VND to 50,000,000 VND for goods worth 50,000,000 VND or more.

Additional treatment measures include:

• Confiscation of evidence of violation.
• Forced destruction of infringing goods.

Reasons why the National Assembly issued a ban on electronic cigarette business

The National Assembly has issued a ban on electronic cigarette business based on the following grounds:

• Harmful effects on health: E-cigarettes contain nicotine and other harmful substances, are addictive and negatively affect users’ health, especially the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Dangerous diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases may arise.
• Risks for young people: E-cigarettes are often eye-catching designs, have many attractive flavors, easily attract young people to use, and pose a potential risk of dangerous addiction. Adverse effects on mental health, especially in adolescents.
• Lack of quality control: The current e-cigarette market still has many shortcomings, it is difficult to control the origin and quality of products, and poses potential risks for consumers.

In order to protect public health and social order and safety, banning the production, sales and use of e-cigarettes is an extremely necessary decision.

Will people who smoke and sell e-cigarettes be criminally prosecuted?

According to current regulations, e-cigarette smokers will not be criminally prosecuted. However, e-cigarette buyers and sellers can be criminally prosecuted in cases of serious violations, causing serious consequences or large amounts of illegal profits.

For people under 18 years old:

• The use, purchase and sale of electronic cigarettes is strictly prohibited.
• Smoking of e-cigarettes is not allowed on school grounds.
• Violations will be handled according to the provisions of the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention.

The ban on electronic cigarette business from 2025 is an important turning point in protecting public health in Vietnam. Long Phan recommends that customers thoroughly understand this new regulation to avoid unnecessary violations. If you need detailed advice on this issue, please contact us via the hotline 0906735386.