Pakistan Proposes Ban on Vapes for Under-18s & Near Schools

a new bill is set to be tabled in the Pakistani Senate seeking to strictly regulate electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in Islamabad. The proposed legislation aims to ban the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes to anyone under 18, prohibit sales near educational institutions, and restrict usage in public spaces.

Key Takeaways:

Age Restriction: Sales to individuals under 18 will be illegal.
School Buffer Zone: No vape sales within 50 meters of schools or colleges.
Public Ban: Vaping prohibited in public transport, parks, and government offices.
Advertising Ban: Complete ban on ads across TV, social media, and billboards.

The “Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill” refers to proposed legislation in Pakistan designed to curb the rising trend of vaping among youth in the federal capital. Moved by Senator Sarmad Ali and approved by the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, the bill introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework for the import, distribution, and promotion of e-cigarettes.

Strict Controls to Protect Students

A primary focus of the bill is restricting youth access. It proposes a complete ban on the sale of e-cigarettes within a 50-meter radius of any educational institution, including schools and colleges. This measure specifically targets the easy availability of flavored nicotine products to students.

Furthermore, the legislation sets a strict age limit, making it illegal to sell vaping products to anyone under the age of 18. E-commerce platforms will also be legally required to implement robust age-verification systems.

Treating Vapes Like Tobacco

Under the proposed law, vaping would be treated on par with traditional tobacco products. Usage would be prohibited in:

Public transport
Government offices
Public parks
Shared community spaces

The bill also enforces a total ban on vape advertising, targeting marketing strategies that appeal to minors on television, social media, and billboards.

Safety Standards and Penalties

To ensure consumer safety, the legislation proposes mandatory standards:

Regulation	Requirement
Nicotine Limit	Maximum 40 mg/ml concentration.
Packaging	Must be child-resistant and tamper-proof.
Labeling	Prominent health warnings required.

Violators face significant penalties. Offenders breaching age and location restrictions could face an immediate fine of Rs50,000 for a first offense, with heavier fines and legal action for repeat violations or smuggling.

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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.