Bhutan Targets Vapes with Tobacco Control Amendment Act 2026

The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC) of Bhutan’s National Council has proposed the Tobacco Control Amendment Act of 2026 to aggressively regulate and ban emerging nicotine products. This legislative push comes amid a staggering increase in e-cigarette imports and rising youth addiction rates observed between 2023 and 2025.

According to SCAC Chairperson Phub Dorji, the current Tobacco Control Act of 2010—previously amended during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 to manage border smuggling—fails to address modern, electronic nicotine delivery systems. This regulatory gap has allowed unregulated vapes to flood the Bhutanese market, quickly gaining popularity among youth aged 15 to 24.

Official data presented by the committee highlights an alarming upward trajectory in both traditional tobacco and electronic smoking device imports over a two-year period:

To curb this influx, the proposed Section 11(b) explicitly bans the import and possession of vapes, e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn devices, and e-hookahs. Furthermore, the newly drafted Section 60(s) establishes a future-proof definition for “Novel and Emerging Nicotine and Tobacco Products,” ensuring that manufacturers cannot bypass the ban through rebranding or minor design alterations.

The proposed ban has sparked intense legislative debate. Zhemgang MP Tshering Tshomo cited the National Health Survey 2023, pointing out that while 20.2% of youth use vapes, a staggering 91.2% still engage in traditional smoking. She questioned why the committee is focusing its prohibition efforts solely on newer devices rather than banning traditional tobacco products as well.

Other parliamentarians raised practical concerns regarding enforcement and tourism. Eminent Member Ugyen Tshering questioned how existing possession cases would be handled under the new penal code transitions and suggested allowing designated smoking rooms in tourist-heavy cultural and educational sites. Meanwhile, Trongsa MP Rinzin Namgyel recommended implementing a digital ID verification system to prevent underage sales at the retail level.

The National Council is set to resume detailed deliberations on the bill, alongside the SCAC’s revised recommendations, on June 15, 2026.

• Read more: Bhutan to Impose 115% Tax on Vapes, Tightens Laws
• News reference: Tobacco Amendment Act 2026 targets emerging tobacco products such as vapes and e-cigarettes

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Matthew Ma

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With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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