Colombia Regulates Vaping, E-Cigarettes with New Law
In a significant move to protect public health, particularly among youth, Colombia has successfully passed a law regulating the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. The new legislation, which comes 15 years after the country’s first anti-smoking law, aims to establish strict controls over an industry that has been linked to potential health risks.
According to official figures, 25% of individuals taking up vaping in Colombia are under the age of 18. The newly approved law explicitly prohibits the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes to minors and seeks to regulate the advertising of these products to discourage their use and prevent their promotion.
Representative Victor Salcedo, a key proponent of the bill and member of the U Party, hailed the approval as “a great step forward in public health.” The legislation equates the use of e-cigarettes with traditional tobacco, reflecting a growing concern about the impact of vaping on public well-being.
The passage of this law comes after several years of political discussions, failed legislative attempts, and extensive parliamentary debate. Representative Norma Hurtado, also from the U Party, noted that the new law modernizes the regulatory framework established by the Anti-tobacco Law 15 years ago.
The initiative has garnered support from various quarters, with Governor Dilian Francisca Toro of Valle department, a member of the same party that extended the legislation, having previously championed the cause through the approval of Law 335 in 2009.
As Colombia joins a growing list of nations taking a stricter stance on vaping and e-cigarettes, the new law represents a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to mitigate the potential harmful effects of these devices and safeguard the health of its citizens, especially young people.
News source: https://colombiaone.com/
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