Argentina: Catamarca Senate Passes Law 5950 to Regulate E-Cigarettes

The Senate of Catamarca has approved Law No. 5950 to regulate and discourage the use of electronic cigarettes. Approved during the body’s 11th Ordinary Session, the legislation targets rising youth vaping rates by establishing strict controls on commercialization and public use.

The legislative initiative, drafted by Deputies Juan Carlos Ledesma and Natalia Herrera, was presented in the Senate by Senator Gonzalo Ormachea. Ormachea argued that the provincial government must act to protect children and adolescents from the risks of nicotine addiction and aerosol inhalation.

The provincial law ratifies existing national bans, specifically ANMAT Disposición N° 3226/2011 and Ministry of Health Resolución N° 565/2023. These national measures already prohibit the import, distribution, and sale of battery-powered electronic nicotine delivery systems. Law No. 5950 strengthens these rules at the provincial level by adding local enforcement mechanisms.

Under the new law, retailers cannot sell electronic cigarettes or “vapes” to individuals under 18. Businesses must display clear signage warning customers about the sale ban and the health hazards associated with these devices. The law also bans vaping in enclosed workplaces, public spaces, and all educational institutions, protecting non-smokers from secondhand aerosol exposure.

During the session, lawmakers cited scientific evidence showing that e-cigarette aerosols contain toxic substances harmful to both users and bystanders. The Senate emphasized the need to restrict the promotion, advertising, and public display of these products to prevent them from appealing to younger demographics.

Health and Infrastructure Resolutions Approved

Alongside the vaping law, the Catamarca Senate approved several resolutions targeting regional infrastructure, public health, and community development:

Santa María Dialysis Unit: Senator María Elena Lagoria introduced a resolution requesting the provincial executive to install a dialysis unit at the Dr. Luis Alberto Vargas Regional Hospital. This unit will allow chronic kidney disease patients in Santa María to receive treatment locally, avoiding the financial burden of traveling to other provinces.
Catamarca West Power Grid: Supported by Senator Soledad Blas, the Senate backed the “Alumbrera – El Eje – Belén” electrical interconnection project. This project aims to stabilize the regional power grid, supporting future demand in mining, agriculture, tourism, and residential areas.
Recreo Roundabout Safety: Senator Débora Romero secured approval for a request to build a roundabout at the intersection of National Route 157 and Provincial Route 20. This intersection is a major transit node connecting northwest Argentina with the Cuyo region, carrying heavy freight and passenger traffic.
Saujil Cultural Upgrades: Initiated by Senator Carolina Casas, the Senate approved plans for a new cinema and the remodeling of the “Juan Cayetano Bianchi” main plaza to boost local commercial and cultural activity.

Cultural Declarations

The session concluded with the Senate declaring parliamentary interest in two cultural events in the Puna region. Sponsored by Senator Eliana Marisol Soriano, the declarations recognize the “Encuentro Pachamama de la Puna” (August 1-2) and the Patronal Feast of Santo Domingo de Guzmán (August 4) for their role in preserving indigenous identity and faith.

Source: El Senado aprobó la Ley que regula el consumo de cigarrillos electrónicos

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

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.