This regulation is outlined in Government Decree 371, which takes effect on 31/12/2025.

The decree also stipulates that individuals harboring users of electronic cigarettes or heated tobacco products on their property will face fines of 5 to 10 million VND. For organizations, this fine doubles.

Electronic cigarette and heated tobacco product users harm their own health and that of passive smokers. Photo: Khue Lam

The National Assembly, at its 11/2024 session, agreed to ban the production, trade, import, harboring, transportation, and use of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products starting in 2025. This decision aims to protect public health. The Government was tasked with implementing this regulation and raising public awareness, especially among youth, about the harms of these products.

According to Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan, the ban on electronic and heated tobacco products stems from their negative health impacts. National Assembly deputies also agreed that adding prohibitive regulations and strictly controlling illegal trade activities is essential.

The decree clearly defines an electronic cigarette as a product comprising an electronic device, a component containing e-liquid, and the e-liquid itself. A heated tobacco product is defined as a product consisting of an electronic device and specially processed tobacco.

Electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products are new-generation items that function by heating a solution containing nicotine or flavorings dissolved in propylene glycol or glycerin. At least 60 chemical compounds are present in e-liquids, with many other harmful substances appearing in the vapor or smoke these products create.

The Ministry of Health states that these products are addictive due to their high nicotine content. They cause various serious conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, acute lung injury, and mental health issues.

Vietnam is the 6th nation in the ASEAN region and among 43 countries globally to ban electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

The usage rate of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products in Vietnam is increasing rapidly, particularly among children and adolescents. From 2015 to 2020, the electronic cigarette smoking rate among adults (aged 15 and above) rose from 0,2% to 3,6%. Among students aged 13-17, the smoking rate increased from 2,6% in 2019 to 8,1% in 2023. For females aged 11-18, preliminary survey results in 11 provinces and cities showed a usage rate of 4,3% in 2023.

The Ministry of Health warns that this situation poses a particular danger to young people. In 2023, 1,224 individuals were hospitalized due to poisoning or illnesses related to electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

Vu Tuan