Colombia has taken a significant legislative step to control the burgeoning vape market with the passage of its “anti-vaping law” (Ley 2354). The law, which saw its final key provisions on advertising and promotion come into force on May 9th. However, as the country begins to navigate this new regulatory landscape, a complex reality is emerging. While the law on paper is comprehensive, its real-world implementation is fraught with challenges, including a thriving informal sales market, a contentious debate over product display versus advertising, perceived inefficiencies in enforcement, and a slow rollout of public education campaigns. This deep dive explores the core tenets of Colombia’s new law and the significant hurdles it faces in achieving its public health goals.
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A new bill has been introduced in Colombia’s Congress by Senator Norma Hurtado proposing a ban on the manufacturing, importation, commercialization, and distribution of single-use disposable vaping devices. The initiative aims to address the negative impacts of these products on both public health and the environment.
Read moreA new bill has been filed in Colombia’s House of Representatives by Representative Wadith Manzur to regulate and impose taxes on vaping products. The primary objective of the proposal is to discourage the use of these devices, especially among young people, due to growing public health concerns.
Read moreColombia, a nation known for its vibrant culture and dynamic economy, has emerged as a significant market for vaping products in Latin America. With a growing consumer base, particularly among middle and upper-class adults, the prospect of opening a vape shop presents a compelling business opportunity. However, this potential is framed by a new and evolving legal landscape. This guide provides a practical roadmap, covering the essential legal rules, business setup steps, and strategic insights needed to successfully establish and operate a vape shop in Colombia as of 2025.
Read morePetro Government Explores “Contaminating Agent” Levy as Part of Fiscal Revenue Plan
Read moreColombia’s Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) has issued Resolution 30838 of 2025, regulating access to information for consumers of cigarettes, tobacco products, their derivatives, substitutes, or imitations, and the devices necessary for their operation, including vape products. Producers and suppliers will have a six-month period from its publication in the Official Gazette to comply before the new rules are enforced.
Read moreColombian health organizations criticize tobacco/vape industry presence in congressional panel discussing new tax bill, citing WHO FCTC.
Civil society organizations Fundación Anáas and Red PaPaz have criticized the composition of a technical panel in Colombia’s Congress convened to discuss bills updating taxes on tobacco and vaping products. They allege a “lack of balance” due to the prominent presence of tobacco and vape industry representatives, including major companies like British American Tobacco and Philip Morris, alongside groups such as the World Vapers’ Alliance.
Read moreColombian health organizations and advocates are calling on the Congress to pass Bill 308, which seeks to increase the consumption tax rate on cigarettes to 8,400 pesos over the next two years and introduce a new tax on electronic cigarettes equivalent to 35% of their final retail price. The bill, expected to be voted on in the coming weeks, aims to curb the recent uptick in the percentage of the population consuming tobacco and nicotine products and potentially prevent approximately 450,000 deaths in the country.
Read moreThe Colombian House of Representatives has approved in a second debate a bill that seeks to impose a 30% tax on the consumption of electronic cigarettes and vapes in the country. The proposed “health tax,” as it is referred to in the legislation, aims to decrease the use of these electronic smoking devices in Colombia.
Read moreThe Colombian Congress has introduced a bill on August 21, 2024, that aims to increase taxes on conventional cigarettes and create a new tax for electronic cigarettes in response to the alarming rise in electronic cigarette use among students aged 12 to 18. The proposal seeks to reduce youth consumption and protect children’s health, and has garnered support from various scientific and civil organizations.
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