State Never Issued Vape Licenses, Ban Effective Since 2016
The Kelantan state government in Malaysia continues to enforce a strict ban on the sale of vape products, a policy that has been in effect since January 1, 2016. Recent statements from state officials confirm this long-standing position and highlight ongoing enforcement efforts.
Read morePublic health experts in Malaysia are arguing for stricter, risk-proportionate controls on vape products rather than pursuing an outright ban, suggesting a more nuanced approach is needed to address the complexities of vaping.
Read moreThe Selangor state government in Malaysia is set to hold a comprehensive meeting to review the possibility of banning the sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes) within the state. This follows a recommendation from the Deputy Inspector-General of Police and recent moves by other Malaysian states.
Read moreAcross England, a hidden battle is being waged in corner shops, warehouses, and even behind cleverly disguised walls. Trading Standards officers are on the front lines, tackling a surge in the illicit vape trade. New analysis by the BBC reveals the staggering scale of the problem: over six million illegal vaping products have been confiscated in just the past three years. As the UK prepares for a nationwide ban on single-use disposable vapes, authorities are intensifying efforts to curb this dangerous black market.
Read moreAs new forms of tobacco products enter the market, South Carolina lawmakers are grappling with how to tax them appropriately. A recent bill proposes creating a three-tiered system for taxing tobacco products, with heated tobacco falling into a category taxed at less than half the rate of traditional cigarettes.
Read moreIn a move to align with European Union directives, the Estonian parliament, Riigikogu, has passed amendments to the Tobacco Act, prohibiting the sale of flavored and aromatic heated tobacco products in the country. The bill, which was adopted on Wednesday, April 23, received overwhelming support from the deputies, with 68 voting in favor, seven against, and one abstention.
Read moreFrench Polynesia’s Minister of Health, Cédric Mercadal, has presented a draft law aimed at significantly modernizing and strengthening regulations governing tobacco and vaping products across Tahiti and its islands. The proposed legislation focuses on reducing product accessibility and appeal, particularly among minors.
Read moreCustoms investigators in Hamburg, Germany, have dismantled a significant illegal e-cigarette operation, seizing nearly 3,000 liters of illicit vape liquid and preventing an estimated €730,000 in tax losses. Officials announced the successful raid on Wednesday, confirming the provisional arrest of four suspects linked to gang-related tax evasion.
Read moreThe city of Limeira, located in the interior of São Paulo, has become the first in Brazil to implement a law restricting the use of electronic cigarettes in public spaces. The new legislation, which also prohibits the sale and consumption of these devices by minors under the age of 18, aims to protect the health of citizens and prevent young people from starting to consume nicotine products.
The law, approved by the City Council and sanctioned by the city government, will come into effect in 30 days, allowing residents and commercial establishments to adapt to the new rules. This pioneering initiative could serve as a model for other Brazilian cities seeking to regulate the use of electronic cigarettes and protect public health.
The measure seeks to safeguard the population, especially young people, from the potential harm caused by electronic cigarettes. By banning the use of these devices in public places, Limeira aims to ensure a healthier environment free from harmful substances. The expectation is that the law will contribute to reducing the consumption of these devices and raising awareness about their risks.
Councilman Nilton César dos Santos (Republicans) initially proposed the legislation, which was subsequently approved by the City Council and the City Hall. The anti-smoking law already prohibits this type of consumption, and this new law reinforces that stance.
Limeira’s legislation prohibits the use of vapes and similar products by minors under 18 years of age and restricts consumption in all public places in the city, whether open or closed. The ban also extends to private establishments for collective use, such as bars, restaurants, and cinemas.
The law specifies several locations where the use of e-cigarettes will be prohibited, including:
This comprehensive scope aims to ensure that the restriction is effective and that the population is protected from exposure to these products.
Establishments that fail to comply with the law will face notifications and penalties, the amounts of which will be defined by decree. Those responsible for the establishments must also:
The city government of Limeira will be responsible for monitoring compliance with the law and applying the sanctions provided for in the event of non-compliance. The effectiveness of the law will depend on the collaboration of the population and the engagement of commercial establishments in promoting awareness and compliance with the rules.
Although Limeira is the first city to implement a specific law against e-cigarettes, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has already banned the sale of these products throughout the country. Anvisa also updated the ruling to reinforce the ban on the manufacture, import, sale, distribution, storage, transportation, and advertising of e-cigarettes in Brazil.
The “anti-smoking law,” passed in 1996, also prohibits smoking in closed public spaces. Limeira’s legislation complements this law, making monitoring more rigorous at the municipal level. The measure could serve as inspiration for other cities that want to strengthen control over the use of electronic cigarettes and protect the health of their citizens.
The ban on electronic cigarettes in Brazil is justified by the lack of quality control and oversight of these products, as well as their growing popularity, especially among young people. Studies indicate that electronic cigarettes can be even more harmful to health than traditional cigarettes, due to the high frequency of use and the potential harm caused to minors.
Limeira’s decision to ban e-cigarettes in public places and for people under 18 represents a significant step forward in protecting public health. This measure, in line with Anvisa regulations, seeks to reduce the consumption of these devices and their potential harm, especially among young people.
As the first Brazilian city to take such a bold stand, Limeira’s pioneering initiative could inspire other cities to adopt similar measures, paving the way for a healthier future for all. By prioritizing the well-being of its citizens and taking proactive steps to address the risks associated with e-cigarettes, Limeira has set a powerful example for the rest of the country to follow.
Greece’s conservative government is preparing a bill that would ban all flavored alternative tobacco products, with the exception of natural tobacco and mint flavors, as part of a broader effort to restrict minors’ access to alcohol and tobacco products. The move follows incidents of teenagers fainting in a nightclub after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, highlighting the need for stricter regulations to protect young people.
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