Vietnam to Fine E-Cigarette Users Up to VND 5 Million Starting May 15
Starting May 15, Vietnam will enforce strict new penalties under Decree 90/2026/ND-CP, fining individuals up to VND 5 million for using e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to combat rising youth addiction.
- Strict Penalties: Users face heavy fines alongside mandatory confiscation and destruction of vaping devices.
- Premises Liability: Property managers can be fined up to VND 10 million for allowing vaping on-site.
- Youth Epidemic: The crackdown targets a sharp rise in youth usage, with the average initiation age dropping to 16.9 years.
The Vietnamese government has announced a severe crackdown on new-generation tobacco products. Under Decree 90/2026/ND-CP, effective May 15, individuals caught using e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products will face immediate administrative fines and the mandatory destruction of their devices.
The new decree notably extends legal liability beyond individual users, holding property managers and non-compliant cessation services accountable.
| Offender Category | Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals | Using e-cigarettes or heated tobacco | VND 3-5 million + confiscation |
| Premises Managers | Allowing vaping on managed property (excluding family) | VND 5-10 million |
| Cessation Providers | Failing to meet facility or communication requirements | VND 1-2 million |
This aggressive legislation responds to an alarming spike in youth vaping. Studies from the Hanoi University of Public Health reveal that 14% of university students in major cities have tried e-cigarettes, often driven by the misconception that they are harmless. Health experts warn that the nicotine and volatile organic compounds in these liquids severely threaten adolescent brain development and pose significant poisoning risks.
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