Iraq Announces Plan for Nationwide Ban on E-cigarettes

New Law to Prohibit Import, Sale, and Circulation of Vapes, Citing Health Risks

Iraq’s Ministry of Health is moving to implement a nationwide ban on the import, sale, and circulation of all electronic cigarettes (vapes), driven by escalating health concerns and a “disturbing increase” in their use among young people, including children and young girls. The announcement signals a significant shift in the country’s approach to nicotine products.

Dr. Wasim Kilani, Assistant Director of Iraq’s National Anti-Tobacco Program, revealed in a televised interview on May 7, 2025, that a new legislative measure, the “Law for Protection from the Harmful Effects of Tobacco,” is expected to pass soon. This law will decisively prohibit the entry and commercial exchange of e-cigarettes and will include robust enforcement mechanisms such as fines, legal penalties, and confiscation of devices.

Underscoring the urgency, Dr. Kilani cited Ministry of Health statistics indicating that “every five Iraqis—one is a smoker,” and that smoking ranks among the top ten causes of death in the nation. He warned that e-cigarettes, often perceived as safer, pose serious health risks, particularly impacting brain and cognitive functions in young users who are drawn to their colorful designs and appealing flavors.

High Stakes: Smoking’s Toll in Iraq

The push for stricter controls comes against a backdrop of significant tobacco-related harm in Iraq. According to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction and the Iraqi Health Ministry:

Smoking is responsible for nearly 12% of all deaths in Iraq.
Over 27,000 people are estimated to die from smoking-related causes annually (as per older Tobacco Atlas data, though current figures likely remain high).
Iraqis spend approximately 3 billion Iraqi dinars (around $2 million USD) daily on tobacco products.

Iraq’s move to ban e-cigarettes aligns it with several other countries, such as India and Thailand, that have implemented similar prohibitions due to public health concerns. It signals a decisive attempt to prevent e-cigarettes from gaining a deeper foothold in the country, especially among its youth.

News source: Iraq Moves to Ban E-Cigarettes Amid Alarming Rise in Youth Use, Health Official Warns
Read more: Iraqi Parliament to Vote on Comprehensive Anti-Tobacco Law

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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.