Vietnam bans e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products | Vape News | Vapouround

Vietnam has officially announced a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs), with the prohibition set to come into effect in early 2025.  This decision was overwhelmingly approved by the National Assembly on 30 November 2024, with 95 percent of members voting in favour. 

The new law will ban the production, import, sale, transportation, and usage of these products, making Vietnam one of the strictest nations in the region regarding vaping and new tobacco alternatives. 

The driving force behind this measure is Vietnam’s Minister of Health, Dao Hong Lan, who has been outspoken about the growing risks associated with e-cigarettes.  She has raised concerns over their increasing popularity, particularly among young people, highlighting the potential for nicotine addiction and other long-term health effects. 

The Ministry of Health argues that these products pose significant public health challenges and that their rapid adoption necessitates urgent action. 

Vietnam’s decision has garnered praise from international health organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO).  WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus applauded the ban, calling it a bold step to protect the nation’s citizens, especially its youth. 

This move aligns with Vietnam’s broader efforts to position itself as a leader in tobacco control and public health within Southeast Asia. 

The prohibition follows in the footsteps of several neighbouring countries that have also adopted stringent measures against e-cigarettes and HTPs. Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei already have comprehensive bans in place, creating a regional trend towards more restrictive policies on vaping products. 

Proponents of the ban argue that such measures are essential to curbing the harmful impacts of nicotine addiction and reducing the health burden associated with tobacco use. 

Vietnam has long been recognised for its strict anti-smoking policies, and this ban represents the latest escalation in its fight against tobacco-related harm.  By targeting emerging products like e-cigarettes, the government aims to prevent a new wave of addiction among younger generations. 

Authorities have expressed particular concern over how these products are marketed, with critics alleging they appeal disproportionately to teenagers and young adults. 

Criticism of e-cigarettes has also centred on the lack of robust scientific consensus around their safety.  While some studies suggest they may be less harmful than traditional cigarettes, health experts in Vietnam argue that the risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, far outweigh any potential benefits. This sentiment has been echoed by the country’s leadership, which views the ban as a preventive measure to avoid the costly health consequences seen in other parts of the world.

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