Panama's Unified Vape Ban: Lawmakers Merge 3 Restrictive Bills

Following the Supreme Court’s declaration that a previous vape ban (Law 315) was unconstitutional, Panama’s National Assembly is aggressively moving to consolidate three new legislative proposals into a single, unified regulatory framework. The Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Social Development has proposed a technical roundtable to merge Bills 263, 347, and 467. The ultimate goal is to strictly regulate or outright prohibit the importation, sale, and promotion of e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and heated tobacco products to protect youth from flavored nicotine delivery systems.

The Legislative Trifecta: Bills 263, 347, and 467

The current legal landscape in Panama is fragmented. In 2025, the Ministry of Health (MINSA) established a baseline regulatory framework focused on youth protection and import controls. However, lawmakers argue this is insufficient. The new legislative push seeks to close loopholes through three distinct approaches:

Bill 263: Spearheaded by Deputy Crispiano Adames, this bill proposes a total ban on the use, importation, and commercialization of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), regardless of whether they contain nicotine.
Bill 347: Focuses on modifying Law 13 of 2008 to prohibit the use of vaping devices in both public and private spaces, effectively treating aerosol like combustible smoke.
Bill 467: Takes a broader approach, addressing the marketing, quality, and safety of not just vapes, but also emerging products like oral nicotine pouches.

Read more: Panama Implements Comprehensive New Vaping Regulations

Contraband Concerns and Public Health Infrastructure

The push for a unified law is heavily influenced by economic trade-offs and enforcement realities. The National Customs Authority has raised significant alarms regarding the rampant smuggling of these devices and the complete lack of fiscal traceability in the current market. A total prohibition, as proposed in Bill 263, risks exacerbating this illicit trade, a concern that echoes the industry skepticism surrounding the failed Law 315.

To support public health objectives, MINSA currently operates 52 free smoking cessation clinics nationwide. These facilities provide medical and psychological support through specialized teams of doctors and social workers. Lawmakers stress that any new legislation must align with Panama’s international tobacco control commitments while ensuring these clinics are equipped to handle a potential influx of nicotine-dependent youth.

Legislative Proposal	Primary Objective	Targeted Products
Bill 263	Total Import & Sales Ban	Vapes (with or without nicotine)
Bill 347	Usage Restrictions	Public and private spaces
Bill 467	Marketing & Safety Standards	Vapes, E-liquids, Nicotine Pouches
Law 315 (Prior)	Previous Ban	Declared Unconstitutional by Supreme Court

Read more: Panama Enacts Law Banning Use, Import, and Sale of E-Cigarettes
News reference: Panamá busca unificar leyes para regular cigarrillos electrónicos y vaporizadores

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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.