This proposal is part of the revised Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms, currently under review by the Committee for Culture and Social Affairs. It is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration at the year-end session.

According to the draft guiding decree, indoor locations currently permitted to have separate smoking areas will progressively shift to a complete smoking ban. Establishments under consideration include bars, karaoke lounges, discotheques, passenger terminals, hotels, and tourist accommodations. This transition is planned for implementation in stages, rather than being applied simultaneously.

Boats and trains are also proposed for inclusion in the group of public transportation methods with complete smoking bans. The Ministry of Public Security has provided feedback on this content, and the Ministry of Health has incorporated it by specifying regulations in the guiding decree for the law's implementation.

Expanding the list of no-smoking areas aims to reduce the incidence of non-smokers inhaling secondhand smoke in public places.

According to the Ministry of Health, from 2010-2024, the rate of exposure to secondhand smoke at home decreased from 73.1% to 44.9%. In workplaces, it fell from 55.9% to 22.4%, and on public transportation, it dropped from 34.4% to 22.9%. Despite these significant reductions, the proportion of people exposed to passive smoking remains high, particularly in homes and workplaces.

A no-smoking sign is affixed to the door of a state agency. Photo: VGP

Banning display and online sale of tobacco

In addition to expanding smoke-free environments, the draft law introduces measures to restrict tobacco promotion and sales.

Conventional cigarettes may be prohibited from display at points of sale, except as regulated by the Government. This ban includes arranging products, packaging, images, brands, or other forms for buyers to identify tobacco.

Currently, each point of sale is allowed to display a maximum of one pack, one carton, or one box of each brand. However, research conducted from 2015-2017 showed that 82.5% of surveyed sales points violated this limit.

The drafting agency believes that banning displays will eliminate a form of tobacco promotion, reduce its appeal to youth, and limit the risk of relapse for those trying to quit.

Some businesses proposed continuing to allow limited displays for buyers to identify legal products, but the ban option remains in the draft law's documentation.

The sale of tobacco via e-commerce platforms, other electronic transaction methods, and vending machines is also prohibited. Direct marketing activities, from introductions, solicitations, and consultations to affiliate marketing online, aimed at promoting the purchase or use of tobacco, are strictly forbidden.

At stores, sellers must display a sign stating that tobacco is not sold to individuals under 18 years old. If a buyer's age is suspected, the seller must verify identity using a national ID card, VNeID application information, or a passport.

The sale of conventional tobacco within 100 meters outside the gates of schools and medical facilities, measured from the nearest campus boundary, is also proposed to be banned to limit access for young people.

Adding new tobacco products to the prohibited list

The draft law further refines regulations prohibiting e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and related components and raw materials. Prohibited acts include manufacturing, trading, storing, transporting, importing, exporting, transiting, advertising, promoting, sponsoring, harboring, and using these products.

Nicotine pouches and shisha are also added to the group of prohibited products under corresponding regulations.

According to the Ministry of Health, the rate of e-cigarette use among the 13-17 age group increased from 2.6% in 2019 to 8.1% in 2023. Specifically, for the 13-15 age group, this rate rose from 3.5% in 2022 to 8% in 2023. The inclusion of new product types aims to address legal gaps as various forms of tobacco use continuously emerge in the market.

Another change is increasing the area for health warnings on tobacco packaging to at least 85% of each main front and back surface. These two surfaces must also print the phone number of a quit-smoking support hotline. The warning mau is expected to change once every two years for each brand.

The revised law is expected to take effect on 1/7/2027. The roadmap for transitioning no-smoking areas and specific regulations on health warnings will be determined in guiding documents after the law is passed.

Son Ha