Regulation of electronic cigarettes
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File:Regulation of electronic cigarettes World.svg
Regulation of electronic cigarettes varies across countries and states, ranging from no regulation to banning them entirely.{{cite journal|last1=Etter|first1=J. F.|last2=Bullen|first2=C.|last3=Flouris|first3=A. D.|last4=Laugesen|first4=M.|last5=Eissenberg|first5=T.|title=Electronic nicotine delivery systems: a research agenda|journal=Tobacco Control|date=May 2011|volume=20|issue=3|pages=243–8|doi=10.1136/tc.2010.042168|pmc=3215262|pmid=21415064}} {{As of|2015}}, around two thirds of major nations have regulated e-cigarettes in some way.{{cite news|url=http://ecigintelligence.com/worlds-law-makers-favour-e-cig-regulation-based-on-tobacco/|title=World's law-makers favour basing e-cig rules on tobacco|first=Barnaby|last=Page|work=ECigIntelligence|publisher=Tamarind Media Limited|date=5 March 2015}} A 2023 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that 34 countries had banned the sale of e-cigarettes.{{cite web |title=New Report: WHO urges urgent government actions to protect youth and prevent the uptake of e-cigarettes |url=https://www.who.int/laos/news/detail/14-02-2024-new-report--who-urges-urgent-government-actions-to-protect-youth-and-prevent-the-uptake-of-e-cigarettes |website=www.who.int |language=en}}
Dynamics
Because of the potential relationship with tobacco laws and medical drug policies, e-cigarette legislation is being debated in many countries.{{cite journal|last1=Kim|first1=Ki-Hyun|last2=Kabir|first2=Ehsanul|last3=Jahan|first3=Shamin Ara|title=Review of electronic cigarettes as tobacco cigarette substitutes: their potential human health impact|journal=Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part C|volume=34|issue=4|year=2016|pages=262–275|issn=1059-0501|doi=10.1080/10590501.2016.1236604|pmid=27635466|bibcode=2016JESHC..34..262K |s2cid=42660975}} The companies that make e-cigarettes have been pushing for laws that support their interests.{{cite journal|last1=Lempert|first1=Lauren K|last2=Grana|first2=Rachel|last3=Glantz|first3=Stanton A|title=The importance of product definitions in US e-cigarette laws and regulations|journal=Tobacco Control|volume=25|issue=e1|year=2016|pages=e44–e51|issn=0964-4563|doi=10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2014-051913|pmc=4466213|pmid=25512432}} In 2016 the US Department of Transportation banned the use of e-cigarettes on commercial flights. This regulation applies to all flights to and from the US.{{cite web|url=https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-explicitly-bans-use-electronic-cigarettes-commercial|title=U.S. Department of Transportation Explicitly Bans the Use of Electronic Cigarettes on Commercial Flights|publisher=United States Department of Transportation|date=2 March 2016}} In 2018, the Royal College of Physicians asked that a balance is found in regulations over e-cigarettes that ensure product safety while encouraging smokers to use them instead of tobacco, as well as keep an eye on any effects contrary to the control agencies for tobacco.{{cite web|url=https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/projects/outputs/what-rcp-thinks-about-tobacco|title=What the RCP thinks about tobacco|location=UK|publisher=Royal College of Physicians|pages=1–2|date=1 February 2018}}
E-cigarettes were illegal in Japan, which forced the market to use heat-not-burn tobacco products for cigarette alternatives.{{cite journal|last1=Tabuchi|first1=Takahiro|last2=Gallus|first2=Silvano|last3=Shinozaki|first3=Tomohiro|last4=Nakaya|first4=Tomoki|last5=Kunugita|first5=Naoki|last6=Colwell|first6=Brian|title=Heat-not-burn tobacco product use in Japan: its prevalence, predictors and perceived symptoms from exposure to secondhand heat-not-burn tobacco aerosol|journal=Tobacco Control|volume=27|issue=e1|year=2018|pages=e25–e33|issn=0964-4563|doi=10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2017-053947|pmc=6073918|pmid=29248896}} Others have introduced strict restrictions and some have licensed devices as medicines such as in the UK. {{as of|2018|February}}, there is no e-cigarette device that has been given a medical license that is commercially sold or available by prescription in the UK.{{cite web|last1=McNeill|first1=A|last2=Brose|first2=LS|last3=Calder|first3=R|last4=Bauld|first4=L|last5=Robson|first5=D| url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/684963/Evidence_review_of_e-cigarettes_and_heated_tobacco_products_2018.pdf|title=Evidence review of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products 2018|publisher=Public Health England|date=February 2018}}{{RP|46}}
The legal status of e-cigarettes is currently pending in many countries.{{cite journal|last=Grana|first=R|author2=Benowitz, N |author3=Glantz, SA |title=E-cigarettes: a scientific review.|journal=Circulation|date=13 May 2014|volume=129|issue=19|pages=1972–86|pmid=24821826|doi=10.1161/circulationaha.114.007667|pmc=4018182}} Many countries such as Brazil, Singapore, Uruguay,{{cite journal|last1=Beard|first1=Emma|last2=Shahab|first2=Lion|last3=Cummings|first3=Damian M.|last4=Michie|first4=Susan|last5=West|first5=Robert|title=New Pharmacological Agents to Aid Smoking Cessation and Tobacco Harm Reduction: What Has Been Investigated, and What Is in the Pipeline?|journal=CNS Drugs|volume=30|issue=10|pages=951–83|year=2016|issn=1172-7047|doi=10.1007/s40263-016-0362-3|pmid=27421270|s2cid=40411008|url=http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/1498793/1/Beard%20et%20al%202016%20%20New%20Pharmacological%20Agents%20to%20Aid%20Smoking%20Cessation%20and%20Tobacco%20Harm%20Reduction.pdf}} and India have banned e-cigarettes.{{cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/18/20872967/india-e-cigarette-vaping-ban-epidemic-health-risks|title=India bans e-cigarette sales and says there's an 'epidemic' of kids vaping|last=Robertson|first=Adi|work=The Verge|date=18 September 2019}} Canada-wide in 2014, they were technically illegal to sell, as no nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are not regulated by Health Canada, but this is generally unenforced and they are commonly available for sale Canada-wide.{{cite news|last1=Sienuic|first1=Kat|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/health-officials-set-rules-but-decisions-belong-to-each-person/article20809598/|title=Public health officers tackle hazy issue of e-cigarettes|work=The Globe and Mail|date=29 September 2014}} In 2016, Health Canada announced plans to regulate vaping products.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/vaping-health-canada-legislation-1.3862589|title=Vaping, e-cigarettes to be regulated by Health Canada|publisher=CBC News|date=22 November 2016}} In the US and the UK, the use and sale to adults of e-cigarettes are legal.{{cite journal|last1=Kadowaki|first1=Joy|last2=Vuolo|first2=Mike|last3=Kelly|first3=Brian C.|title=A review of the current geographic distribution of and debate surrounding electronic cigarette clean air regulations in the United States|journal=Health & Place|volume=31|year=2015|pages=75–82|issn=1353-8292|doi=10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.11.003|pmc=4305454|pmid=25463920}}{{rp|US}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25900542|title=E-cigarettes to be stubbed out for under-18s|date=26 January 2014|publisher=BBC News}}{{rp|UK}}
The revised EU Tobacco Products Directive came into effect May 2016, providing stricter regulations for e-cigarettes.{{cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-european-court-tougher-rules-on-electronic-cigarettes-2016-5|title=European court: Tougher rules on electronic cigarettes|work=Business Insider|agency=Associated Press|date=4 May 2016|access-date=4 June 2019|archive-date=2 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602164019/https://www.businessinsider.com/ap-european-court-tougher-rules-on-electronic-cigarettes-2016-5|url-status=dead}} It limits e-cigarette advertising in print, on television and radio, along with reducing the level of nicotine in liquids and reducing the flavors used.{{cite news|url=http://www.cityam.com/240410/eu-tobacco-products-directive-chokes-off-the-uks-e-cigarette-and-vaping-market-|title=EU Tobacco Products Directive chokes off the UK's e-cigarette and vaping market|first=Francesca|last=Washtell|work=City A.M.|date=5 May 2016}} It does not ban vaping in public places.{{cite journal|last1=Zainol Abidin|first1=Najihah|last2=Zainal Abidin|first2=Emilia|last3=Zulkifli|first3=Aziemah|last4=Karuppiah|first4=Karmegam|last5=Syed Ismail|first5=Sharifah Norkhadijah|last6=Amer Nordin|first6=Amer Siddiq|title=Electronic cigarettes and indoor air quality: a review of studies using human volunteers|journal=Reviews on Environmental Health|volume=32|issue=3|pages=235–244|year=2017|issn=2191-0308|doi=10.1515/reveh-2016-0059|pmid=28107173|bibcode=2017RvEH...32..235Z |s2cid=6885414|url=http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/61699/1/Electronic%20cigarettes%20and%20indoor%20air%20quality.pdf}} It requires the purchaser for e-cigarettes to be at least 18 and does not permit buying them for anyone less than 18 years of age.{{RP|39}} The updated Tobacco Products Directive has been disputed by tobacco lobbyists whose businesses could be impacted by these revisions.{{cite news|url=http://www.euronews.com/2013/07/10/new-tobacco-products-directive-adopted-regulations-on-e-cigarettes-announced|title=Anger over tobacco lobbyists as Europe nears new rules on e-cigarettes|first=Ashitha|last=Nagesh|publisher=Euronews|date=10 July 2013}}
As of August 8, 2016, the FDA extended its regulatory power to include e-cigarettes, e-liquid and all related products.{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/tobaccoproducts/labeling/rulesregulationsguidance/ucm394909.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828021455/http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/RulesRegulationsGuidance/ucm394909.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 28, 2015|title=FDA's New Regulations for E-Cigarettes, Cigars, and All Other Tobacco Products|publisher=United States Food and Drug Administration|date=17 August 2017}} Under this ruling the FDA will evaluate certain issues, including ingredients, product features and health risks, as well their appeal to minors and non-users. The FDA rule also bans access to minors. A photo ID is now required to buy e-cigarettes,{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Retail/ucm205021.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224174727/http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Retail/ucm205021.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 24, 2015|title=Summary of Federal Rules for Tobacco Retailers|publisher=United States Food and Drug Administration|date=23 August 2017}} and their sale in all-ages vending machines is not permitted in the US.{{cite web|title=The Facts on the FDA's New Tobacco Rule|url=https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm506676.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617135319/http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm506676.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 17, 2016|publisher=United States Food and Drug Administration|date=2 May 2017}} As of August 2017, regulatory compliance deadlines relating to premarket review requirements for most e-cigarette and e-liquid products have been extended from November 2017 to August 8, 2022,{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/RulesRegulationsGuidance/ucm557714.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170601192544/https://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/RulesRegulationsGuidance/ucm557714.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 1, 2017|title=Extension of Certain Tobacco Product Compliance Deadlines Related to the Final Deeming Rule (Revised)|publisher=United States Food and Drug Administration|date=4 August 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/downloads/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/RulesRegulationsGuidance/UCM557716.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605081448/https://www.fda.gov/downloads/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/RulesRegulationsGuidance/UCM557716.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 5, 2017|title=Guidance: Extension of Certain Tobacco Product Compliance Deadlines Related to the Final Deeming Rule (Revised*)|publisher=Center for Tobacco Products|agency=United States Department of Health and Human Services; United States Food and Drug Administration|date=August 2017}} which attracted a lawsuit filed by the American Heart Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and other plaintiffs.{{cite news|url=https://www.dddmag.com/news/2018/03/lawsuit-challenges-fda-delay-e-cigarette-review|title=Lawsuit Challenges FDA Delay of E-cigarette Review|last=Perrone|first=Matthew|publisher=Drug Discovery & Development|agency=Associated Press|date=28 March 2018}}
In May 2016 the FDA used its authority under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act to deem e-cigarette devices and e-liquids to be tobacco products, which meant it intended to regulate the marketing, labelling, and manufacture of devices and liquids; vape shops that mix e-liquids or make or modify devices were considered manufacturing sites that needed to register with FDA and comply with good manufacturing practice regulation.{{cite journal|title=Deeming Tobacco Products To Be Subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as Amended by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act; Restrictions on the Sale and Distribution of Tobacco Products and Required Warning Statements for Tobacco Products|url=https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/05/10/2016-10685/deeming-tobacco-products-to-be-subject-to-the-federal-food-drug-and-cosmetic-act-as-amended-by-the|journal=Federal Register|publisher=US Food and Drug Administration|volume=81|issue=90|pages=28974–29106|date=10 May 2016}} E-cigarette and tobacco companies have recruited lobbyists in an effort to prevent the FDA from evaluating e-cigarette products or banning existing products already on the market.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/03/us/politics/e-cigarettes-vaping-cigars-fda-altria.html?module=Promotron®ion=Body&action=click&pgtype=article|title=A Lobbyist Wrote the Bill. Will the Tobacco Industry Win Its E-Cigarette Fight?|first=Eric|last=Lipton|work=The New York Times|date=2 September 2016}}
In February 2014 the European Parliament passed regulations requiring standardization and quality control for liquids and vaporizers, disclosure of ingredients in liquids, and child-proofing and tamper-proofing for liquid packaging.{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-134_en.htm|title=Questions & Answers: New rules for tobacco products|publisher=European Commission|date=26 February 2014}} In April 2014 the FDA published proposed regulations for e-cigarettes.{{cite journal|url=https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/04/25/2014-09491/deeming-tobacco-products-to-be-subject-to-the-federal-food-drug-and-cosmetic-act-as-amended-by-the|title=Deeming Tobacco Products To Be Subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as Amended by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act; Regulations on the Sale and Distribution of Tobacco Products and Required Warning Statements for Tobacco Products|journal=Federal Register|publisher=United States Food and Drug Administration|volume=79|issue=80|pages=23142–23207|date=25 April 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/24/health/fda-will-propose-new-regulations-for-e-cigarettes.html|title=F.D.A. Will Propose New Regulations for E-Cigarettes|first=Sabrina|last=Tavernise|work=The New York Times|date=24 April 2014}} In the US some states tax e-cigarettes as tobacco products, and some state and regional governments have broadened their indoor smoking bans to include e-cigarettes. {{As of|April 2017}}, 12 US states and 615 localities had prohibited the use of e-cigarettes in venues in which traditional cigarette smoking was prohibited.{{cite journal|last1=Glantz|first1=Stanton A.|last2=Bareham|first2=David W.|title=E-Cigarettes: Use, Effects on Smoking, Risks, and Policy Implications|journal=Annual Review of Public Health|volume=39|issue=1|pages=215–235|date=January 2018|issn=0163-7525|doi=10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040617-013757|pmid=29323609|pmc=6251310|url=https://cloudfront.escholarship.org/dist/prd/content/qt421813nc/qt421813nc.pdf?t=p2h0k2}}{{CC-notice|cc=by4|url=http://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040617-013757|author(s)=Stanton A. Glantz and David W. Bareham}} In 2015, at least 48 states and 2 territories had banned e-cigarette sales to minors.{{cite web|url=http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/alternative-nicotine-products-e-cigarettes.aspx|title=Alternative Nicotine Products – Electronic Cigarettes|publisher=National Conference of State Legislatures|date=3 March 2017}}
E-cigarettes containing nicotine have been listed as drug delivery devices in a number of countries, and the marketing of such products has been restricted or put on hold until safety and efficacy clinical trials are conclusive.{{cite journal|last1=Cervellin|first1=Gianfranco|last2=Borghi|first2=Loris|last3=Mattiuzzi|first3=Camilla|last4=Meschi|first4=Tiziana|last5=Favaloro|first5=Emmanuel|last6=Lippi|first6=Giuseppe|title=E-Cigarettes and Cardiovascular Risk: Beyond Science and Mysticism|journal=Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis|volume=40|issue=1|year=2013|pages=060–065|issn=0094-6176|doi=10.1055/s-0033-1363468|pmid=24343348|doi-access=free}} Since they do not contain tobacco, television advertising in the US is not restricted.{{cite journal|last1=Maloney|first1=Erin K.|last2=Cappella|first2=Joseph N.|title=Does Vaping in E-Cigarette Advertisements Affect Tobacco Smoking Urge, Intentions, and Perceptions in Daily, Intermittent, and Former Smokers?|journal=Health Communication|year=2015|volume=31|issue=1|pages=1–10|issn=1041-0236|doi=10.1080/10410236.2014.993496|pmid=25758192|s2cid=31328176}} Some countries have regulated e-cigarettes as a medical product even though they have not approved them as a smoking cessation aid.{{cite journal|last1=Bekki|first1=Kanae|last2=Uchiyama|first2=Shigehisa|last3=Ohta|first3=Kazushi|last4=Inaba|first4=Yohei|last5=Nakagome|first5=Hideki|last6=Kunugita|first6=Naoki|title=Carbonyl Compounds Generated from Electronic Cigarettes|journal=International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health|volume=11|issue=11|year=2014|pages=11192–11200|issn=1660-4601|doi=10.3390/ijerph111111192|pmc=4245608|pmid=25353061|doi-access=free}}{{CC-notice|cc=by4|url=http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/11/11/11192/htm|author(s)=Kanae Bekki, Shigehisa Uchiyama, Kazushi Ohta, Yohei Inaba, Hideki Nakagome and Naoki Kunugita}} A 2014 review stated the emerging phenomenon of e-cigarettes has raised concerns in the health community, governments, and the general public and recommended that e-cigarettes should be regulated to protect consumers.{{cite journal|last=Saitta|first=D|author2=Ferro, GA|author3=Polosa, R|title=Achieving appropriate regulations for electronic cigarettes|journal=Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease|date=Mar 2014|volume=5|issue=2|pages=50–61|doi=10.1177/2040622314521271|pmc=3926346|pmid=24587890}} It added, "heavy regulation by restricting access to e-cigarettes would just encourage continuing use of much unhealthier tobacco smoking." A 2014 review said regulation of the e-cigarette should be considered on the basis of reported adverse health effects.
Since 2025, a number of European countries include Belgium, France and the United Kingdom, have banned or planning to ban the sale of disposable single-use e-cigarettes, mainly because of the littering aspect, concerns about being a fire risk and protecting against young people's health.{{Cite news |last=Rankin |first=Jennifer |last2=Giuffrida |first2=Angela |date=2025-01-01 |title=Belgium becomes first EU country to ban sale of disposable vapes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/01/belgium-becomes-first-eu-country-to-ban-sale-of-disposable-vapes |access-date=2025-04-18 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}
Africa
File:Regulation of electronic cigarettes Africa.svg
Currently, the majority of countries in Africa have implemented laws that govern the sale, distribution, importation, and usage of electronic cigarettes. However, the existing laws on tobacco control do not extend to e-cigarettes or other electronic smoking devices since they specifically define tobacco products as those made from the tobacco plant. As a result, regulations such as minimum age requirements for sales, smoking bans, advertisement bans, and other sales restrictions (such as online trading or vending machine sales) are not legally regulated and therefore permitted.
Notable exceptions to this trend are Ethiopia, Gambia, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Uganda, which have outright banned the manufacturing, sale, supply, and importation of electronic cigarettes. In the case of Ghana, although a ban on recreational e-cigarette sales is in place, there is a provision for exceptions in a medical context, effectively resulting in a de facto ban.
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| rowspan="3" style="width:10%;" | Country
! rowspan="3" style="width:5%;" | Administrative division ! colspan="5" style="width:35%;" |De jure ! rowspan="3" style="width:50%;" | Notes |
|---|
| colspan="2" style="width:20%;" | Legal status
! colspan="3" style="width:15%;" | Policy |
| style="width:10%;" | Nicotine-containing catridges
! style="width:10%;" | Nicotine-free cartridges ! style="width:5%;" | Purchase age ! style="width:5%;" | Smoking ban ! style="width:5%;" | Advertising |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Algeria}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Algeria|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/dza/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Angola}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Angola|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/ago/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Benin}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Botswana}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=Tobacco Control Act 2021|url=https://assets.tobaccocontrollaws.org/uploads/legislation/Botswana/Botswana-TC-Act-2021-national.pdf|publisher=Parliament of Botswana|date=2021|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Burundi}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Burundi|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/bdi/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Cameroon}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Cameroon|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/cmr/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Cape Verde}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=Cabo Verde: strong Tobacco Control Law adopted|url=https://untobaccocontrol.org/impldb/cabo-verde-strong-tobacco-control-law-adopted/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626091132/https://untobaccocontrol.org/impldb/cabo-verde-strong-tobacco-control-law-adopted/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 26, 2022|publisher=FCTC|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Central African Republic}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Central African Republic|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/caf/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Chad}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=Main Policies - Chad|url=https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/chad/e-cigarettes|publisher=Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids|date=14 September 2021|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Comoros}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Comoros|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/com/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Democratic Republic of the Congo|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/cod/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Djibouti}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Djibouti|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/dji/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Egypt}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Egypt|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=92|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Equatorial Guinea}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Equatorial Guinea|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/gnq/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Eritrea}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Eritrea|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/eri/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Eswatini}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Eswatini|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/swz/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Ethiopia}}
| style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned{{cite web|title = Main Policies - Ethiopia|url=https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/ethiopia/sales-restrictions/minimum-legal-sales-age|publisher=Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids|date=2023|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Gabon}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Gabon|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/gab/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Gambia}}
| style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned{{cite web|title = Main Policies - Gambia|url=https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/gambia/sales-restrictions/minimum-legal-sales-age|publisher=Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids|date=9 September 2021|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Ghana}}
| style="background:#fabed4" align="center" |only with prescription{{cite web|title = Ghana Outlaws Vape Sales and Promotion |url=https://tobaccoreporter.com/2023/07/09/ghana-makes-vape-sales-and-advertisement-illegal/|publisher=Tobacco Reporter|date=9 July 2023|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#fabed4" align="center" |only with prescription | In July 2023 Ghana's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) outlawed the recreational use of e-cigarettes. From now on a medical prescription will be required to buy e-cigarettes with and without nicotine. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Guinea-Bissau}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Guinea-Bissau|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/gnb/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Kenya}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title = Main Policies - Kenya|url=https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/kenya/sales-restrictions/minimum-legal-sales-age|publisher=Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids|date=9 September 2021|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Lesotho}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Lesotho|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/lso/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Liberia}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Liberia|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/lbr/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Libya}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Libya|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/lby/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Malawi}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Malawi|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/mwi/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan="2" |{{Flag|Mauritania}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Mauritania|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/mrt/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Mauritius}}
| style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Egypt|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=111|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned | In 2022 a law was passed that prohibited the import, manufacturing, sale and distribution of e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Morocco}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=Morocco Sets in Place New Standards For Cigarettes|url=https://www.vapingpost.com/2021/09/22/morocco-sets-in-place-new-standards-for-cigarettes/|publisher=Vaping Post|date=22 September 2021|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal |So far e-cigarattes and liquids with and without nicotine are not regulated in Marocco. Since most products are imported from the European market the nicotin content is limited to 20 mg/ml. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Mozambique}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Mozambique|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/moz/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Namibia}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Namibia|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/nam/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Niger}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Niger|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/ner/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Nigeria}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=Main Policies - Nigeria|url=https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/nigeria/e-cigarettes|publisher=Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Republic of the Congo}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Democratic Republic of Congo|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/cod/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Rwanda}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Rwanda|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/rwa/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Senegal}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Senegal|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=43|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Seychelles}}
| style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Seychelles|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=132|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Somalia}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Somalia|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/som/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|South Africa}}
| style="background:#fabed4" align="center" |only with prescription{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - South Africa|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=136|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal |E-cigarettes containing nicotine have been categorized by the South African Medicines Control Council as a scheduled drug, specifically falling under Schedule 3 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act. As per the provisions of this act, substances listed under Schedule 3 can only be sold in pharmacies and require a prescription for purchase. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|South Sudan}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Somalia|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/ssd/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Sudan}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Sudan|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=251|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal |Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Tanzania}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Tanzania|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/tza/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. There is a proposal to outlaw the importation, sale and consumption of e-cigarettes and shisha.{{cite web|title=Tanzania Plans to Ban Shisha and E-Cigarettes|url=https://www.2firsts.com/news/tanzania-plans-to-ban-shisha-and-e-cigarettes|publisher=2FIRSTS|date=25 June 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Togo}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Togo|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=146|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Tunisia}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Tunisia|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/tun/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Uganda}}
| style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Uganda|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=149|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned | Under the provisions of the Tobacco Control Act of 2015, e-cigarettes are categorized as electronic nicotine delivery systems. The Act strictly prohibits the sale, offering for sale, distribution, importation, manufacturing, and processing of both nicotine-containing and non-nicotine e-cigarettes. Furthermore, the Act prohibits the entry of e-cigarettes into the country. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Western Sahara}}
| style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Zambia}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Zambia|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/zmb/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Zimbabwe}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Zimbabwe|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/zwe/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=18 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Currently there is no specific law regulating e-cigarettes. |
Asia
File:Regulation of electronic cigarettes Asia.svg
Several countries and jurisdictions in Asia, including Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Macau, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Maldives, North Korea, Oman, Palestine,[https://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/policy/country_profile/pse.pdf?ua=1 Country profile] {{dead link|date=December 2021|bot=medic}} {{cbignore|bot=medic}} Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkmenistan, have implemented bans on the importation, sale, and distribution of electronic cigarettes.
In Malaysia, e-cigarettes containing nicotine are classified as medicinal products requiring a medical prescription, while nicotine-free products can be legally sold without limitations. However, certain states such as Penang, Kedah, Johor, and Kelantan have enacted laws that completely prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes, regardless of nicotine content. Similarly, in Japan, e-cigarettes without nicotine can be freely sold, while those with nicotine are considered medicinal products requiring registration. As of now, no medicinal e-cigarettes have been approved. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has issued a statement permitting the private importation of medicinal e-cigarettes for personal use, provided the imported quantity is less than a one-month supply.
On the other hand, countries like mainland China, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have implemented laws that set maximum limits on the nicotine content allowed in e-cigarette liquids.
Oceania
File:Regulation of electronic cigarettes Oceania.svg
Laws and regulations concerning the production, import, sale, and usage of electronic cigarettes can vary significantly from country to country.
In the case of certain countries like Micronesia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, American Samoa, and Vanuatu, there is currently a lack of specific regulations addressing e-cigarettes, or the existing tobacco control laws do not encompass e-cigarettes as tobacco products. Consequently, the existing regulatory framework does not apply to e-cigarettes in these jurisdictions.
In contrast, Australia has implemented the most stringent laws on e-cigarettes. As of October 1, 2021, obtaining a medical prescription has become a requirement for purchasing nicotine cartridges. This restriction also extends to the importation of e-cigarette products from overseas, which previously did not necessitate a prescription. Moreover, state and territory laws within Australia prohibit the sale and possession of e-cigarettes containing nicotine without a prescription. The process of acquiring a medical prescription for e-cigarettes in Australia generally requires smokers to have made unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking using Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved medications. These measures reflect the aim of ensuring strict control over the availability and use of e-cigarettes, particularly those containing nicotine, as part of a comprehensive tobacco control strategy.
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| rowspan="3" style="width:10%;" | Country
! rowspan="3" style="width:5%;" | Administrative division ! colspan="5" style="width:35%;" |De jure ! rowspan="3" style="width:50%;" | Notes |
|---|
| colspan="2" style="width:20%;" | Legal status
! colspan="3" style="width:15%;" | Policy |
| style="width:10%;" | Nicotine-containing catridges
! style="width:10%;" | Nicotine-free cartridges ! style="width:5%;" | Purchase age ! style="width:5%;" | Smoking ban ! style="width:5%;" | Advertising |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Australia}}
| style="background:#aaffc3" align="center" |legal only at pharmacies without prescription for above 18 and below 20 mg/mL{{cite web |title=Changes to the regulation of vapes |url=https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/vaping-hub/changes-regulation-vapes |website=Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) |access-date=13 July 2024}} | style="background:#aaffc3" align="center" |legal only at pharmacies without prescription for above 18 | align="center" |18 for nicotine-containing cartridges | align="center" |applies | align="center" |prohibited |The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) classifies, on the Poisons Standard, nicotine therapeutic vaping products as either pharmacist only medicines or prescription only medicines.{{Cite web |last=Department of Health. Victoria |first=Australia |title=Regulation of nicotine for human use |url=https://www.health.vic.gov.au/drugs-and-poisons/regulation-of-nicotine-for-human-use |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=www.health.vic.gov.au |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Therapeutic Goods Administration |first=Australia. |date= |title=The Poisons Standard (the SUSMP) |url=https://www.tga.gov.au/how-we-regulate/ingredients-and-scheduling-medicines-and-chemicals/poisons-standard-and-scheduling-medicines-and-chemicals/poisons-standard-susmp |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=www.tga.gov.au}} From 1 July 2024, all e-cigarettes (vapes) and vaping products can only be sold in a pharmacy.{{Cite web |last=Department of Health and Aged Care |first=Australia. |date=4 October 2024 |title=About vaping and e-cigarettes |url=https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-vaping |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=www.health.gov.au}} The importation of disposable vapes is banned and all other vaping goods require an import licence or permit.{{Cite web |title=Changes to vaping rules in Australia - Alcohol and Drug Foundation |url=https://adf.org.au/insights/vaping-changes-australia/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=adf.org.au |language=en}} Flavours for vapes are restricted to mint, menthol, and tobacco. Packaging must follow the plain pharmaceutical packaging standards. Therapeutic vapes with a nicotine concentration of 20 mg/mL or less are available from a pharmacy to anyone 18 years or older subject to a pharmacists approval. Therapeutic vapes with a nicotine concentration greater than 20 mg/mL or for anyone under 18 require a prescription.{{Cite web |last=Therapeutic Goods Administration |first=Australia. |date=1 October 2024 |title=Vapes: information for individuals and patients |url=https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/vaping-hub/vapes-information-individuals-and-patients |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=www.tga.gov.au}} Australia is developing regulations on e-cigarettes.{{cite journal|last1=Fraser|first1=Doug|last2=Weier|first2=Megan|last3=Keane|first3=Helen|last4=Gartner|first4=Coral|title=Vapers' perspectives on electronic cigarette regulation in Australia|journal=International Journal of Drug Policy|volume=26|issue=6|year=2015|pages=589–594|issn=0955-3959|doi=10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.01.019|pmid=25724266|doi-access=free}} Laws vary across Australia's states and can conflict. In April 2014 a court decision made it illegal to sell or supply e-cigarettes regardless of their appearance or nicotine content (even if zero) in Western Australia.{{cite web|title=Electronic cigarettes:The truth behind the smoke and mirrors|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/health/electronic-cigarettes-the-truth-behind-the-smoke-and-mirrors-20140426-37aum.html|website=smh.com.au|access-date=26 October 2015}} Previously they were banned if they looked like cigarettes. The court ruled that the action they provided in and of itself looks like cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Fiji}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Fiji|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=83|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| rowspan="4" | {{flag|Micronesia, Federated States of}}
| {{flag|Chuuk}} | style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| {{flag|Kosrae}}
| style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| {{flag|Pohnpei}}
| style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| {{flag|Yap}}
| style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|New Zealand}}
| style="background:#aaffc3" align="center" |below 20 mg/ml legal{{cite web|title = Main Policies - New Zealand|url=https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/new-zealand/e-cigarettes|publisher=Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids|date=21 September 2022|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | General retailers are restricted by law from selling e-cigarettes featuring flavors other than tobacco, mint, or menthol. On the other hand, specialist e-cigarette retailers that have obtained approval have the freedom to sell e-cigarette products in any flavor that has not been prohibited. As of now, there are no prohibited flavors, meaning that approved specialist e-cigarette retailers are permitted to sell e-cigarettes in any flavor they choose. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Palau}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Palau|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=121|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Papua New Guinea}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Papua New Guinea|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=252|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Samoa}}
| style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Solomon Islands}}
| style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Tonga}}
| style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| rowspan=3|{{flag|United States}}
|{{flag|American Samoa}} | style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| {{flag|Guam}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title = E-CIGARETTE REGULATIONS - GUAM|url=https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/resources/us-e-cigarette-regulations-50-state-review/gu|publisher=The Guam Daily Post|date=17 February 2023|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | Proposal to prohibit liquids with characteristic flavors and tastes.{{cite web|title = Fisher: Ban flavored vape sales|url=https://www.postguam.com/news/local/fisher-ban-flavored-vape-sales/article_aa50351c-ada3-11ed-846e-eb33cd5235fb.html|publisher=Public Health Law Center|date=2023|access-date=16 July 2023}} |
| {{flag|Northern Mariana Islands}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title = E-CIGARETTE REGULATIONS - NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS|url=https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/resources/us-e-cigarette-regulations-50-state-review/mp|publisher=Public Health Law Center|date=2023|access-date=16 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Vanuatu}}
| style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | style="background:#DCDCDC" align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
Europe
= European Union =
On 19 December 2012 the European Commission adopted its proposal to revise the European Union Tobacco Products Directive 2001/37/EC which included proposals to introduce restrictions on the use and sales of e-cigarettes.{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/health/tobacco/products/revision/|title=Revision of the Tobacco Products Directive|publisher=European Commission|access-date=20 November 2013}}{{cite web|title=EU plans tougher tobacco restrictions on e-cigarettes|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24439474|publisher=BBC News|date=7 October 2013|access-date=7 October 2013}}{{cite web|title=Proposal on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products|url=http://ec.europa.eu/health/tobacco/docs/com_2012_788_en.pdf|date=19 December 2012|access-date=7 October 2013}}
On 8 October 2013 the European Parliament in Strasbourg voted down the commission's proposal to introduce medical regulation for e-cigarettes, but proposed that cross-border marketing of e-cigarettes be regulated similarly to tobacco products, meaning that sales of e-cigarettes to under-18s would be prohibited in the European Union, along with most cross-border advertising. Warning labels also would be required. The Parliament and Member States are involved in trilogue discussions to reach a common conclusion.{{cite web|title = Tobacco Or Medicinal Product? Europe Divided Over E-Cigarettes|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/health-eu-smoking-ecigarettes/25134903.html|publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|date=13 October 2013|access-date=13 October 2013}}
In February 2014, the European Parliament approved new regulations for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/10290/europe-sets-new-rules-for-e-cigs-while-the-u-s-drags-its-feet/|title=Europe Sets New Rules for E-Cigs While the U.S. Drags Its Feet|last1=Gray|first1=Eliza|magazine=Time|date=27 February 2014}} The new regulations forbid advertising of e-cigarettes, set limits on maximum concentrations of nicotine in liquids, limit maximum volumes of liquid that can be sold, require child-proof and tamper-proof packaging of liquid, set requirements on purity of ingredients, require that the devices deliver consistent doses of vapor, require disclosure of ingredients and nicotine content, and empower regulators to act if the regulations are violated. In October 2014 e-cigarette manufacturer Totally Wicked won the right to challenge the directive at the Court of Justice of the EU. The hearing took place on 1 October 2015 and the results will not be announced until early 2016.{{cite news|first=James|last=Meikle|title=UK e-cigarette firm fights EU vaping laws in European court|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/oct/01/uk-e-cigarette-firm-fights-eu-vaping-laws-in-european-court|newspaper=The Guardian|date=1 October 2015|access-date=21 October 2015}}{{update inline|date=September 2018}}
In autumn 2013, the e-cigarette industry ran "a determined lobbying campaign" to defeat proposed European legislation to regulate e-cigarettes like medical devices.{{cite news|first=Andrew|last=Higgins|title=Aided by Army of 'Vapers', E-Cigarette Industry Woos and Wins Europe|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/10/world/europe/aided-by-army-of-vapers-e-cigarette-industry-woos-and-wins-europe.html|access-date=22 November 2014|work=The New York Times|date=9 November 2013}} Pharmaceutical manufacturers GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnson have lobbied the US government, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the EU parliament for stricter regulation of e-cigarettes which compete with their products Nicorette gum and nicotine patches.{{cite news|first1=Makiko|last1=Kitamura|title=Glaxo Memo Shows Drug Industry Lobbying on E-Cigarettes|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-19/glaxo-memo-shows-drug-industry-lobbying-on-e-cigarettes.html|access-date=22 November 2014|publisher=Bloomberg News|date=19 February 2014}}
= By country =
The Americas
=United States=
==Federal regulation==
Prior to 8 August 2016,{{cite web|title=FDA's New Regulations for E-Cigarettes, Cigars, and All Other Tobacco Products|url=https://www.fda.gov/tobaccoproducts/labeling/rulesregulationsguidance/ucm394909.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828021455/http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/RulesRegulationsGuidance/ucm394909.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 28, 2015|publisher=US Department of Health and Human Services|agency=US Food and Drug Administration|date=12 August 2016}} regulations concerning the use of e-cigarettes varied considerably across the United States, although there is more variation regarding laws limiting their use by youth than regarding multi-level regulations, such as banning their use in public places.{{cite journal|last1=Tremblay|first1=MC|last2=Pluye|first2=P|last3=Gore|first3=G|last4=Granikov|first4=V|last5=Filion|first5=KB|last6=Eisenberg|first6=MJ|title=Regulation profiles of e-cigarettes in the United States: a critical review with qualitative synthesis.|journal=BMC Medicine|date=3 June 2015|volume=13|pages=130|doi=10.1186/s12916-015-0370-z|pmid=26041672|pmc=4480885 |doi-access=free }} The FDA classified e-cigarettes as drug delivery devices and subject to regulation under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) before importation and sale in the US.{{Cite news|url=http://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20100302e-cig-fda.html|title=FDA Fighting for Authority to Regulate Electronic Cigarette|date=2 March 2010}} The classification was challenged in court, and overruled in January 2010 by Federal District Court Judge Richard J. Leon, explaining that "the devices should be regulated as tobacco products rather than drug or medical products."{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/15/business/15smoke.html|work=The New York Times|first=Duff|last=Wilson|title=Judge Orders F.D.A. to Stop Blocking Imports of E-Cigarettes From China|date=15 January 2010}}
In March 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia stayed the injunction pending an appeal, during which the FDA argued the right to regulate e-cigarettes based on their previous ability to regulate nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine gum or patches. Further, the agency argued that tobacco legislation enacted the previous year "expressly excludes from the definition of 'tobacco product' any article that is a drug, device or combination product under the FDCA, and provides that such articles shall be subject to regulation under the pre-existing FDCA provisions."{{cite web |url=http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/health-of-the-public/20100302e-cig-fda.html |title=AAFP.org |publisher=AAFP.org |access-date=18 December 2010 |archive-date=18 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118143445/http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/health-of-the-public/20100302e-cig-fda.html |url-status=dead }} On 7 December 2010, the appeals court ruled against the FDA in a 3–0 unanimous decision, ruling the FDA can only regulate e-cigarettes as tobacco products, and thus cannot block their import.{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/health/fda-cannot-block-e-cigarette-imports-court/|title=FDA Cannot Block E-Cigarette Imports: Court|date=8 December 2010 | work=Fox News}} The judges ruled that such devices would only be subject to drug legislation if they are marketed for therapeutic use – E-cigarette manufacturers had successfully proven that their products were targeted at smokers and not at those seeking to quit. The District Columbia Circuit appeals court, on 24 January 2011, declined to review the decision en banc, blocking the products from FDA regulation as medical devices.{{cite web|url=http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/14/gvsb0214.htm|author=FDA|title=FDA regulation of e-cigarettes rebuffed again|work=American Medical News|date=14 February 2011|access-date=21 February 2011}}
In April 2014, the FDA proposed new regulations for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. The regulations require disclosure of ingredients used in e-cigarette liquids, proof of safety of those ingredients, and regulation of the devices used to vaporize and deliver the liquid.{{cite news|last=Richtel|first=Matt|title=Some E-Cigarettes Deliver a Puff of Carcinogens|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/04/business/some-e-cigarettes-deliver-a-puff-of-carcinogens.html|date=3 May 2014|work=The New York Times|access-date=4 May 2014}}Brady Dennis for the Washington Post. 24 April 2014 [https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/fda-outlines-plan-to-regulate-e-cigarettes/2014/04/23/4e7c8684-ca39-11e3-93eb-6c0037dde2ad_story.html FDA outlines plan to regulate e-cigarettes]Sabrina Tavernise for the New York Times. 24 April 2014 [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/24/health/fda-will-propose-new-regulations-for-e-cigarettes.html?_r=0 F.D.A. Will Propose New Regulations for E-Cigarettes] The FDA proposed regulation would ban the sale of e-cigarettes with nicotine to any individual under 18 years of age.{{cite journal|last1=Rom|first1=Oren|last2=Pecorelli|first2=Alessandra|last3=Valacchi|first3=Giuseppe|last4=Reznick|first4=Abraham Z.|title=Are E-cigarettes a safe and good alternative to cigarette smoking?|journal=Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences|year=2014|volume=1340|issue=1 |pages=65–74|issn=0077-8923|doi=10.1111/nyas.12609|pmid=25557889|bibcode=2015NYASA1340...65R |s2cid=26187171}} Additionally the report surveyed nine e-cigarette makers covering ten known brands (Mark-Ten (Altria), Vuse (Reynolds American), NJOY, Eonsmoke, LOGIC, V2, Vapor Couture (VMR Products), Blu (Lorillard Tobacco Company), Green Smoke, White Cloud Cigarettes (Lead by Sales)). The report criticized these companies for their youth marketing tactics and informed all nine of these companies.{{Cite web |title=New Congressional report calls out e-cigarette companies for youth marketing tactics – Counter Tobacco |url=https://countertobacco.org/new-congressional-report-calls-out-e-cigarette-companies-for-youth-marketing-tactics/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=countertobacco.org}}{{Cite web |date=2013-09-26 |title=Harkin, Durbin, Rockefeller, Waxman, and Members of Congress Call on E-Cigarette Makers to Explain Marketing Tactics Targeting Kids {{!}} The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions |url=https://www.help.senate.gov/dem/newsroom/press/harkin-durbin-rockefeller-waxman-and-members-of-congress-call-on-e-cigarette-makers-to-explain-marketing-tactics-targeting-kids |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=www.help.senate.gov |language=en}} In August 2014, attorneys general from over two dozen states advised the FDA to enact restrictions on e-cigarettes, including banning flavors.{{cite news|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/08/24/heart-group-cigarettes-might-help-smokers-quit/KqYTupX7HcymS6GdhdccUJ/story.html|title=Heart group says e-cigarettes may help end habit |first=Marilynn|last=Marchione|work=The Boston Globe|publisher=Associated Press|date=25 August 2014}}
On 10 May 2016, the FDA published their deeming regulations in the Federal Register, which were to take effect on 8 August 2016. Vendors and companies had until two years afterward to prepare paperwork with the FDA to have their product remain on the market. Currently, there are lawsuits and amendments made in the works in Congress to change that provision. The lack of research on the risks and possible benefits has resulted in precautionary policymaking in the US "which often lacks grounding in empirical evidence and results in spatially uneven diffusion of policy". The time by which applications to market regulated non-combustible tobacco product devices must be submitted for review has been extended to August 8, 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/NewsEvents/ucm568425.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801224017/https://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/NewsEvents/ucm568425.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 1, 2017|title=Newsroom - FDA's Comprehensive Plan for Tobacco and Nicotine Regulation|last=Products|first=Center for Tobacco|website=www.fda.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-11-25}}
As of 8 August 2016, the FDA extended its regulatory power to include e-cigarettes. Under this ruling the FDA will evaluate certain issues, including ingredients, product features and health risks, as well their appeal to minors and non-users.{{cite web|title=The Facts on the FDA's New Tobacco Rule|url=https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm506676.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617135319/http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm506676.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 17, 2016|publisher=US Department of Health and Human Services|agency=US Food and Drug Administration|date=7 August 2016}} The FDA rule also bans access to minors. A photo ID is required to buy e-cigarettes,{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Retail/ucm205021.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224174727/http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Retail/ucm205021.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 24, 2015|title=Retailer Overview of FDA Regulations for Selling Tobacco Products|publisher=US Department of Health and Human Services|agency=US Food and Drug Administration|date=8 August 2016}} and their sale in all-ages vending machines is not permitted. The FDA in September 2016 has sent warning letters for unlawful underage sales to online retailers and retailers of e-cigarettes.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/fda-cracks-down-on-online-sales-by-e-cigarette-industry-1473974027?mod=WSJ_TechWSJD_moreTopStories|title=FDA Cracks Down on Online Sales by E-Cigarette Industry|first=Tripp|last=Mickle|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=15 September 2016}} FDA regulations have also applied to the advertising of e-cigarettes since 2016.{{cite web |title=FDA Regulation of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and E-Liquids |url=https://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/ucm456610.htm#regulation |website=FDA Center for Tobacco Products |access-date=6 August 2018|date=July 20, 2018}}{{dead link|date=May 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Per FDA regulations, e-cigarettes, e-liquid, and associated products cannot be advertised as safer than other tobacco products unless they have received modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) status.{{cite press release|title=FDA announces comprehensive regulatory plan to shift trajectory of tobacco-related disease, death|date=July 28, 2017|publisher=FDA Center for Tobacco Products|url=https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm568923.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728174704/https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm568923.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 28, 2017|last1=Felberbaum|first1=Michael}} {{As of|August 2018}}, this status has not been granted to any e-cigarette or e-liquid product.{{cite web |title=MRTP Application Actions (Orders, Denials, and Responses) |url=https://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/MarketingandAdvertising/ucm522422.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111183315/http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/MarketingandAdvertising/ucm522422.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 11, 2017 |website=FDA Center for Tobacco Products |access-date=4 August 2018 |date=August 1, 2018}} Though no companies have applied for an MRTP permit for their vaping products, similar heat-not-burn tobacco products have been denied MRTP status on the grounds that they are not safer than traditional cigarettes.{{cite news |last1=LaVito |first1=Angelica |title=In high-stakes votes, FDA advisors say evidence doesn't back Philip Morris' claims |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/25/philip-morris-stock-falls-as-committee-reviews-iqos-claims.html |access-date=3 August 2018 |work=CNBC|date=January 25, 2018}}
On December 5, 2016 HUD passed a rule banning the use of tobacco products in common areas and within each home unit. HUD did not include e-cigarettes in their list of prohibited tobacco products, and they will allow each public housing agency to make that decision. The ban includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes and waterpipes (hookahs). E-cigarettes were not included because they believe there would be no maintenance cost savings or a lowered risk of destructive fires. HUD commented that there is a lack of evidence that the vapor causes any damage to the units.{{cite web|url=https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=HUD-2015-0101-1013|title=FR 5597–F–03 Instituting Smoke- Free Public Housing|publisher=Regulations.gov|date=5 December 2016}}
File:Food and Drug Administration logo.svg
Beginning in May 2018, the FDA began to crack down on e-liquid brands whose packaging resembles food or beverage products.{{cite web |title=2018 Warning Letters |url=https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2018/default.htm?Page=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424093741/https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2018/default.htm?Page=2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 24, 2018 |website=FDA.gov |access-date=3 August 2018}}{{cite news |last1=McGinley |first1=Laura |title=Feds crack down on e-liquid packaging that looks like candy, juice boxes |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2018/05/01/liquid-nicotine-for-e-cigs-looks-like-kids-juice-boxes-and-candy-government-says/ |access-date=3 August 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=May 1, 2018}} FDA is particularly concerned about e-liquids whose packaging resembles that of candy, juice boxes, and other products intended to appeal to children, because of concern that children will mistakenly drink the e-liquid and die of nicotine poisoning.{{cite letter |author=FDA Center for Tobacco Products |recipient=13th Floor Elevapors, LLC |subject=WARNING LETTER |date=May 10, 2018 |url=https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm605912.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726040306/https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm605912.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |access-date=August 3, 2018 }} Nicotine is especially toxic to young children, and a 60 ml bottle of e-liquid with 11 mg/ml nicotine concentration, the average e-liquid bottle in the U.S.,{{Cite journal| doi=10.1186/s12971-014-0023-6| issn = 2070-7266| volume = 12| issue = 1| pages = 23| last1 = Hahn| first1 = Jürgen| last2 = Monakhova| first2 = Yulia B| last3 = Hengen| first3 = Julia| last4 = Kohl-Himmelseher| first4 = Matthias| last5 = Schüssler| first5 = Jörg| last6 = Hahn| first6 = Harald| last7 = Kuballa| first7 = Thomas| last8 = Lachenmeier| first8 = Dirk W| title = Electronic cigarettes: overview of chemical composition and exposure estimation| journal = Tobacco Induced Diseases| date = 2014-12-09| pmid = 25620905| pmc = 4304610| doi-access = free}} is likely to kill a child of age 4 or younger.{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1542/peds.2017-3361| issn = 1098-4275|last1 = Govindarajan| first1 = Preethi| last2 = Spiller| first2 = Henry A.| last3 = Casavant| first3 = Marcel J.| last4 = Chounthirath| first4 = Thitphalak| last5 = Smith| first5 = Gary A.| title = E-Cigarette and Liquid Nicotine Exposures Among Young Children| journal = Pediatrics| volume = 141| issue = 5| pages = e20173361| date = 2018-04-23| pmid = 29686144| doi-access = free}} As such, the FDA has charged e-liquid products with branding that resembles food, candy, or beverage items as being misbranded and using false advertising, which is illegal under the Tobacco Control Act of 2009 (specifically sections 903(a)(1) and 903(a)(7)(A) of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, {{UnitedStatesCode|21|387c}}).
In September 2018, the FDA has further strengthened its Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan by targeting the e-cigarette industry with fines for retailers and manufactures that are illegally selling to youth. FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., has indicated that this is a first step in a new and significant enforcement strategy against the e-cigarette industry.{{cite web |title=FDA takes new steps to address epidemic of youth e-cigarette use, including a historic action against more than 1,300 retailers and 5 major manufacturers for their roles perpetuating youth access |url=https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm620184.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912152343/https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm620184.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 12, 2018 |website=U.S. Food and Drug Administration |access-date=March 1, 2019 |language=en |date=September 12, 2018}} In November 2018, the FDA announced new steps to curb youth vaping while still ensuring the adults who would benefit from e-cigarettes still had access to a healthier nicotine delivery system. Sales of flavored tobacco products will be limited to adult only stores and online vendors with the exception of tobacco, mint or menthol e-cigarettes that will remain for sales wherever combustible cigarettes are sold (convenience stores). If the FDA does not see a change in the illegal youth access of menthol or minty vapes currently 20% of their use, they will move to adjust their regulations. The decision to allow menthol vapes was to ensure that an alternative was present should an adult go to purchase menthol cigarettes. The age verification of online vendors for vape products will see an increased level of security.{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm625884.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115190010/https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm625884.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 15, 2018|title=Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on proposed new steps to protect youth by preventing access to flavored tobacco products and banning menthol in cigarettes|publisher=United States Food and Drug Administration|date=15 November 2018}}{{PD-notice}}
In the midst of an outbreak of lung illness in the US linked to vaping products, Donald Trump said in September 2019 that his administration planned to propose a ban on e-cigarette liquid flavors.{{cite news|url=https://fox6now.com/2019/09/11/president-trump-to-propose-ban-on-flavorings-used-in-e-cigarettes/|title=President Trump to propose ban on flavorings used in e-cigarettes|publisher=FOX6 News|agency=Associated Press|date=11 September 2019}} In December 2019, congress enacted a law raising the age for sale of all tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, from 18 to 21 years old.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-24 |title=STATE System E-Cigarette Fact Sheet |url=https://www.cdc.gov/statesystem/factsheets/ecigarette/ECigarette.html |access-date=2022-07-11 |website=www.cdc.gov |language=en-us}} In 2020, the FDA ordered a halt on sales of vaping products with sweet and fruity flavors.{{Cite web |last=Commissioner |first=Office of the |date=2020-03-24 |title=FDA finalizes enforcement policy on unauthorized flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes that appeal to children, including fruit and mint |url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-finalizes-enforcement-policy-unauthorized-flavored-cartridge-based-e-cigarettes-appeal-children |access-date=2022-07-11 |website=FDA |language=en}}{{dead link|date=May 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In 2021, the FDA has denied marketing approval for a large number of e-cigarette products. In 2022, the FDA targeted the company Juul, denying it a marketing application and ordering Juul's products off of the US the market. However, some regulatory loopholes (specifically around disposable, pre-filled products) still allow flavored products from other companies.{{Cite magazine |last=Pardes |first=Arielle |title=Juul Nears Its Last Gasp—After It Hooked a Generation on Vaping |language=en-US |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/story/juul-nears-its-last-gasp/ |access-date=2022-07-11 |issn=1059-1028}}
== State regulation ==
{{Main|List of vaping bans in the United States}}
File:No Vaping Sign (18562436519).jpg
In the United States, different measures have been taken to regulate e-cigarettes. In March 2010, New Jersey became the first state to implement e-cigarette Minimum Legal Sale Age Law (MLSA){{cite journal |last1=Dave |first1=Dhaval |last2=Feng |first2=Bo |last3=Pesko |first3=Michael F. |title=The effects of e-cigarette minimum legal sale age laws on youth substance use |journal=Health Economics |date=2019 |volume=28 |issue=3 |pages=419–436 |doi=10.1002/hec.3854 |pmid=30648308 |pmc=6377803 }} and comprehensive indoor use ban in workplaces, restaurants, and bars. That same year, Minnesota imposed the first e-cigarette tax in the country.{{cite web |title=E-Cigarette Regulations - Minnesota {{!}} Public Health Law Center |url=https://publichealthlawcenter.org/resources/us-e-cigarette-regulations-50-state-review/mn |website=publichealthlawcenter.org}} Six years later, the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Tobacco Products (FDA-CTP){{cite web |title=How FDA is Regulating E-cigarettes |website=Food and Drug Administration|url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices-perspectives-fda-leadership-and-experts/how-fda-regulating-e-cigarettes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723090512/https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices-perspectives-fda-leadership-and-experts/how-fda-regulating-e-cigarettes|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 23, 2019}} deemed e-cigarettes to be tobacco products. In May 2016, the FDA-CTP made the following requirements: e-cigarettes are required to carry a warning label,{{cite web |title=FDA Deems Certain Tobacco Products Subject to FDA Authority, Sales and Distribution Restrictions, and Health Warning Requirements for Packages and Advertisements |website=Food and Drug Administration|url=https://www.fda.gov/media/97664/download}}{{dead link|date=May 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} a national e-cigarette MLSA of 18 was put in place, and the FDA-CTP must eventually approve all e-cigarette products through a pre-market application process.
Effective 8 August 2016, all US states will follow the same, uniform federal guidelines. With an absence of federal regulations, many states and cities had adopted their own e-cigarette regulations, most commonly to prohibit sales to minors, including Maryland, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin, and Colorado. Other states are considering similar legislation.{{cite web|url=http://www.law.umaryland.edu/programs/tobacco/documents/E-Cig_Legislation.pdf|title=Electronic Cigarette Legislation Prohibiting Sale to Minors in Other States|publisher=University of Maryland Law School|access-date=30 August 2013|archive-date=16 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816181340/http://www.law.umaryland.edu/programs/tobacco/documents/E-Cig_Legislation.pdf|url-status=dead}} Several US cities and states have enacted laws that increased the legal age to purchase e-cigarettes to age 21.{{cite journal|last1=Morain|first1=Stephanie Rubino|last2=Malek|first2=Janet|title=Minimum Age of Sale for Tobacco Products and Electronic Cigarettes: Ethical Acceptability of US "Tobacco 21 Laws"|journal=American Journal of Public Health|volume=107|issue=9|year=2017|pages=e1–e5|issn=0090-0036|doi=10.2105/AJPH.2017.303900|pmid=28727531|pmc=5551602}} {{As of|2014}}, some states in the US permit e-cigarettes to be taxed as tobacco products, and some state and regional governments in the US had extended their indoor smoking bans to include e-cigarettes.{{cite journal|last1=Crowley|first1=Ryan A.|title=Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: Executive Summary of a Policy Position Paper From the American College of Physicians|journal=Annals of Internal Medicine|volume=162|issue=8|year=2015|pages=583–4|issn=0003-4819|doi=10.7326/M14-2481|pmid=25894027|doi-access=free}}
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would regulate the sale of e-cigarettes within the state on grounds that "if adults want to purchase and consume these products with an understanding of the associated health risks, they should be able to do so."{{cite web|url=http://leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0351-0400/sb_400_vt_20091012.html|first=Arnold|last=Schwarzenegger|title=SB 400 Senate Bill -Veto|work=California State Senate|date=12 October 2009|access-date=4 November 2009}}
A review of regulations in 40 U.S. states found that how a law defines e-cigarettes is critical, with some definitions allowing e-cigarettes to avoid smoke-free laws, taxation, and restrictions on sales and marketing.{{cite journal|last1=Lempert|first1=Lauren|title=The importance of product definitions in US e-cigarette laws and regulations|journal=Tobacco Control|year=2014|doi=10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2014-051913|pmid=25512432|pmc=4466213|volume=25|issue=e1|pages=e44–51}} Fewer policies have been created to restrict vaping indoors than with cigarette smoking.
Many local and state jurisdictions have recently begun enacting laws that prohibit e-cigarette usage everywhere that smoking is banned, although some state laws with comprehensive smoke-free laws will still allow for vaping to be permitted in bars and restaurants while prohibiting e-cigarettes in other indoor places.{{Cite web|url=http://www.no-smoke.org/pdf/ecigslaws.pdf|title=States and Municipalities with Laws Regulating Use of Electronic Cigarettes}} As of August 2016, the United States Navy is considering banning e-cigarettes.{{cite news|url=http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/navy-e-cig-ban-considered-107680/|title=E-Cigarette Explosion Risk Leads Navy to Consider Ban|first=Irvin|last=Jackson|publisher=AboutLawsuits.com|date=23 August 2016}} A 2017 report stated "As of 2 October 2015, five US states and over 400 counties have implemented some form of restriction of ECIG use indoors. International policies are more varied with certain restrictions for ECIG use in UK airports and trains and reports of complete ECIG bans in indoor public places for Malta, Belgium and Spain".{{cite journal|last1=Soule|first1=Eric K|last2=Maloney|first2=Sarah F|last3=Spindle|first3=Tory R|last4=Rudy|first4=Alyssa K|last5=Hiler|first5=Marzena M|last6=Cobb|first6=Caroline O|title=Electronic cigarette use and indoor air quality in a natural setting|journal=Tobacco Control|volume=26|issue=1|year=2017|pages=109–112|issn=0964-4563|doi=10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2015-052772|pmc=4985441|pmid=26880745}} San Francisco banned the sale of flavored e-liquids in 2018. They are the first city in the US to enact such a ban.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/healthcare/san-francisco-first-city-to-ban-e-cigarette-flavors|title=San Francisco first city to ban e-cigarette flavors|first=Robert|last=King|work=The Washington Examiner|date=26 July 2018}}
In November 2018, the FDA required e-cigarette manufacturers not to sell e-cigarette products online without strict age verification. It was also requested e-cigarette suppliers to end bulk purchasing of e-cigarettes and to remove flavored e-cigarettes from stores. In January 2020, the city of San Francisco banned e-cigarette{{cite web |title=Juul & E-Cig Bans {{!}} City & State Vaping Bans |url=https://www.drugwatch.com/e-cigarettes/juul-ban/ |website=Drugwatch.com}} (but not traditional cigarettes). By January 2020, twenty states had implemented e-cigarettes taxes, sixteen had comprehensively banned indoor use of the product, and eight had imposed temporary restrictions on the sale of all e-cigarettes or flavored e-cigarettes.
= Policy evaluation studies =
Studies{{cite journal |last1=Pesko |first1=Michael |last2=Warman |first2=Casey |title=The Effect of Prices and Taxes on Youth Cigarette and E-cigarette Use: Economic Substitutes or Complements? |date=5 September 2017 |publisher=Social Science Research Network |ssrn=3077468 |language=en}}{{cite journal |last1=Saffer |first1=Henry |last2=Dench |first2=Daniel L |last3=Grossman |first3=Michael |last4=Dave |first4=Dhaval M |title=E-Cigarettes and Adult Smoking: Evidence from Minnesota |series=Working Paper Series |date=December 2019 |url=https://www.nber.org/papers/w26589 |publisher=National Bureau of Economic Research|doi=10.3386/w26589 |s2cid=242547226 }}{{cite journal |last1=Pesko |first1=Michael F |last2=Courtemanche |first2=Charles J |last3=Maclean |first3=Johanna Catherine |title=The Effects of Traditional Cigarette and E-Cigarette Taxes on Adult Tobacco Product Use |series=Working Paper Series |date=June 2019 |url=https://www.nber.org/papers/w26017 |publisher=National Bureau of Economic Research|doi=10.3386/w26017 |s2cid=198708325 }}{{cite journal |last1=Abouk |first1=Rahi |last2=Adams |first2=Scott |last3=Feng |first3=Bo |last4=Maclean |first4=Johanna Catherine |last5=Pesko |first5=Michael F |title=The Effect of E-Cigarette Taxes on Pre-Pregnancy and Prenatal Smoking, and Birth Outcomes |series=Working Paper Series |date=July 2019 |url=https://www.nber.org/papers/w26126 |publisher=National Bureau of Economic Research|doi=10.3386/w26126 |s2cid=150083212 }}{{cite journal |last1=Cotti |first1=Chad D |last2=Courtemanche |first2=Charles J |last3=Maclean |first3=Johanna Catherine |last4=Nesson |first4=Erik T |last5=Pesko |first5=Michael F |last6=Tefft |first6=Nathan |title=The Effects of E-Cigarette Taxes on E-Cigarette Prices and Tobacco Product Sales: Evidence from Retail Panel Data |series=Working Paper Series |date=January 2020 |url=https://www.nber.org/papers/w26724 |publisher=National Bureau of Economic Research|doi=10.3386/w26724 |s2cid=236886747 }} that examine the impact of e-cigarette taxes on use of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes have found that e-cigarette taxes increase cigarette use across different populations (adults, children, pregnant), thus providing evidence that the two products are economic substitutes. Along the same line, another study found{{cite journal |last1=Friedman |first1=Abigail S. |title=How does electronic cigarette access affect adolescent smoking? |journal=Journal of Health Economics |date=December 2015 |volume=44 |pages=300–308 |doi=10.1016/j.jhealeco.2015.10.003 |pmid=26583343 |issn=1879-1646}} that e-cigarette minimum legal purchase age laws increase cigarette use among 12 to 17 years old, suggesting that e-cigarettes are displacing youth smoking rather than acting as a gateway to youth smoking. Regarding indoor vaping regulations, one study{{cite journal|last1=Cooper|first1=Michael T.|last2=Pesko|first2=Michael F.|date=December 2017|title=The effect of e-cigarette indoor vaping restrictions on adult prenatal smoking and birth outcomes|journal=Journal of Health Economics|volume=56|pages=178–190|doi=10.1016/j.jhealeco.2017.10.002|issn=1879-1646|pmc=5733637|pmid=29107198}} found that it increased prenatal smoking by about 0.8 percentage points had no significant impact on birth outcomes.
= By country =
File:Regulation of electronic cigarettes Americas.svg
The regulations surrounding the production, importation, sale, and use of electronic cigarettes can vary greatly from one country to another.
Several countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Nicaragua, and Uruguay have completely banned the importation, sale, and distribution of electronic cigarettes. In Mexico, there is a national ban in place, although some individual vendors have obtained the right to sell e-cigarettes through court decisions. On the other hand, Brazil and Venezuela have prohibited the importation, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes, but their legal frameworks potentially offer a pathway for future legalization and sales.
Moreover, several Caribbean countries currently allow the sale of e-cigarettes. However, their existing tobacco control laws do not classify e-cigarettes as tobacco products, which means that regulations such as minimum age requirements for sale or restrictions on advertisements do not apply to e-cigarettes.
Canada stands out as the only country thus far that imposes restrictions on the sale of e-liquid with a maximum nicotine content of 20 mg per ml. This approach is similar to that taken by many European countries.
| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" |
| rowspan="3" style="width:10%;" | Country
! rowspan="3" style="width:5%;" | Administrative division ! colspan="5" style="width:35%;" |De jure ! rowspan="3" style="width:50%;" | Notes |
|---|
| colspan="2" style="width:20%;" | Legal status
! colspan="3" style="width:15%;" | Policy |
| style="width:10%;" | Nicotine-containing catridges
! style="width:10%;" | Nicotine-free cartridges ! style="width:5%;" | Purchase age ! style="width:5%;" | Smoking ban ! style="width:5%;" | Advertising |
| colspan=2|{{flag|Anguilla}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=Youth Centred Tobacco Control Policies|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/atg/2/|publisher=Healthy Caribbean Coalition|date=2023|access-date=17 July 2023}} |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Antigua and Barbuda}}
| style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Antigua and Barbuda|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/atg/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2022|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned | The sale and distribution of e-cigarettes is prohibited. The existing laws on tobacco control also apply to e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Argentina}}
| style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned | style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned | The sale and distribution of e-cigarettes is prohibited. The existing laws on tobacco control also apply to e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Bahamas}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Barbados}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Belize}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Bermuda}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Bolivia}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Brazil}}
| style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |de facto ban | style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |de facto ban | The import, sale and distribution of e-cigarettes is currently prohibited. However the law provides a potential avenue for the future sale of e-cigarettes. The existing laws on tobacco control also apply to e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|British Virgin Islands}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal |
| rowspan=3| {{flag|Canada}}
| {{flag|Alberta}} | rowspan=3 style="background:#aaffc3" align="center" |below 20 mg/ml legal{{cite web|title=Main Policies - Canada|url=https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/canada/e-cigarettes|publisher=Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids|date=3 February 2022|access-date=17 July 2023}} | rowspan=3 style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | align="center" |18 | rowspan=3 align="center"|applies | rowspan=3 align="center"|prohibited | rowspan=3|Only tobacco flavor permitted in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.{{cite news |last1=Ferstl |first1=Rachel |title=Calls for regulation in Manitoba, Canada picking up steam as Quebec's flavoured vape ban takes effect |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/quebec-flavoured-vape-ban-reactions-1.7015308 |access-date=20 December 2023 |work=CBC News |date=1 November 2023}} |
| {{flag|British Columbia}} {{flag|New Brunswick}} {{flag|Newfoundland and Labrador}} {{flag|Nova Scotia}} {{flag|Nova Scotia}} {{flag|Nunavut}} {{flag|Ontario}} {{flag|Yukon}} | align="center" |19 |
| {{flag|Prince Edward Island}}
| align="center" |21 (born after 1 March 2001) |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Cayman Islands}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Chile}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Chile|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/chl/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Colombia}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Colombia|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/col/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Costa Rica}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Cuba}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |unknown | style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Dominica}}
| style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |unknown | style="background:Gainsboro" align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Dominican Republic}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Domincan Republic|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/dom/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Ecuador}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|El Salvador}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=Main Policies - El Salvador|url=https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/el-salvador/e-cigarettes|publisher=Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids|date=17 September 2019|access-date=17 July 2023}} |
| colspan=2|{{flag|Falkland Islands}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=Children and Young Persons (Tobacco) Ordinance 2007 - Section 4|url=https://en.mercopress.com/2017/08/19/falklands-all-health-and-social-services-sites-smoke-free-as-of-february|publisher=Merco Press|date=19 August 2017|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Grenada}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Guatemala}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=E-cigarette vaping in Domincan Republic|url=https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/gtm/2/|publisher=GSTHR|date=2 September 2023|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Guyana}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=Main Policies - El Salvador|url=https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/guyana/e-cigarettes|publisher=Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids|date=17 September 2019|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Haiti}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Honduras}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Jamaica}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title=Main Policies - El Salvador|url=https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/jamaica/e-cigarettes|publisher=Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids|date=15 December 2021|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Mexico}}
| style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned | style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned | Generally the import, sale and distribution of e-cigarettes has been prohibited by law. However, several court decisions have granted individual retailers the right to sell e-cigarettes. |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Nicaragua}}
| style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Nicaragua|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=117|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | align="center" |unknown | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Panama}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Panama|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=122|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Paraguay}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Paraguay|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=123|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Peru}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | align="center" |unregulated | align="center" |unregulated | align="center" |unregulated | There is currently no law regulating e-cigarettes |
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Saint Kitts and Nevis}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal |
| colspan="2" | {{flag|Saint Lucia}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | |
| colspan="2" |{{flag|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Trinidad and Tobago}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Turks and Caicos Islands}}
| style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal |
| rowspan=3 |{{flag|United States}}
| {{flag|United States}} | rowspan=3 style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Paraguay|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=153|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=17 July 2023}} | rowspan=3 style="background:#3cb44b" align="center" |legal | rowspan=2 align="center" |21 | align="center" |state/local regulation | rowspan=3 align="center" |restricted | States and local authorities may impose further restrictions. |
| {{flag|Puerto Rico}}
| |
| {{flag|United States Virgin Islands}}
| align="center" |not regulated | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Uruguay}}
| style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned{{cite web|title=Main Policies - Uruguay|url=https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/uruguay/e-cigarettes|publisher=Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids|date=4 March 2020|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |banned | |
| colspan=2| {{flag|Venezuela}}
| style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |de facto ban{{cite web|title = Countries/Jurisdictions - Paraguay|url=https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/policy-scan/e-cigarettes/countries?country=45|publisher=Institute for Global Tobacco Control|date=December 2020|access-date=17 July 2023}} | style="background:#e6194B" align="center" |de facto ban | In order for companies to import e-cigarettes, they are required to specify whether the product falls under the categories of medicinal, consumer goods, or tobacco derivatives. If classified as a tobacco derivative, e-cigarettes are prohibited from being sold to minors, advertised, promoted, or used in enclosed public spaces or transportation, as mandated by the tobacco control law. If classified as medicinal or consumer products, they must undergo thorough clinical trials similar to other nicotine replacement therapies before they can be sold, promoted, distributed, or used. Currently, no e-cigarette product has been registered, leading to the illegality of their sale, promotion, and distribution, as indicated in an alert. |
==Criticism of vaping bans==
Critics of vaping bans state that vaping is a much safer alternative to smoking tobacco products and that vaping bans incentivize people to return to smoking cigarettes.{{Cite web |title=California Is Forcing Smokers To Buy More Dangerous Products |url=https://reason.com/2022/05/06/californias-is-forcing-smokers-to-buy-more-dangerous-products/|date=May 6, 2022}} For example, critics cite the British Journal of Family Medicine in August 2015 which stated, "E-cigarettes are 95% safer than traditional smoking."{{Cite web |title=Vaping 95% less harmful than smoking |url=https://www.gmjournal.co.uk/vaping-95-less-harmful-than-smoking#:~:text=E%2Dcigarettes%20are%2095%25%20safer,help%20people%20give%20up%20smoking.|date=August 2015}} In 2019, San Francisco's chief economist, Ted Egan, when discussing the San Francisco vaping ban stated the city's ban on e-cigarette sales will increase smoking as vapers switch to combustible cigarettes.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco's Top Economist Confirms Vape Ban Means More Smoking |url=https://reason.com/2019/07/15/san-franciscos-top-economist-confirms-vape-ban-means-more-smoking/|date=July 15, 2019}} Critics of smoking bans stress the absurdity of criminalizing the sale of a safer alternative to tobacco while tobacco continues to be legal. Prominent proponents of smoking bans are not in favor of criminalizing tobacco either, but rather allowing consumers to have the choice to choose whatever products they desire.
In 2022, after two years of review, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) denied Juul's application to keep its tobacco and menthol flavored vaping products on the market.{{Cite news |title=FDA to Order Juul E-Cigarettes Off U.S. Market |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/fda-to-order-juul-e-cigarettes-off-u-s-market-11655904689|date=June 22, 2022|last1=Maloney |first1=Jennifer }} Critics of this denial note that research published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research found that smokers who transitioned to Juuls in North America were significantly more likely to switch to vaping than those in the United Kingdom who only had access to lower-strength nicotine products.{{Cite journal |title=Differences in Switching Away From Smoking Among Adult Smokers Using JUUL Products in Regions With Different Maximum Nicotine Concentrations: North America and the United Kingdom |url=https://academic.oup.com/ntr/article/23/11/1821/6276234?login=false|date=May 18, 2021| doi=10.1093/ntr/ntab062 | last1=Goldenson | first1=Nicholas I. | last2=Ding | first2=Yu | last3=Prakash | first3=Shivaani | last4=Hatcher | first4=Cameron | last5=Augustson | first5=Erik M. | last6=Shiffman | first6=Saul | journal=Nicotine & Tobacco Research | volume=23 | issue=11 | pages=1821–1830 | pmid=34002223 | pmc=8653762 }} This happened as the Biden Administration sought to mandate low-nicotine cigarettes which, critics note, is not what makes cigarettes dangerous.{{Cite web |title=Mandating Low-Nicotine Cigarettes Could Make Smoking More Dangerous|url=https://reason.com/2022/06/22/mandating-low-nicotine-cigarettes-could-make-smoking-more-dangerous/|date=June 22, 2022}} They also note that vaping does not contain many of the components that make smoking dangerous such as the combustion process and certain chemicals that are present in cigarettes that are not present in vape products.
Notes
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References
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External links
- [https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/e-cigarette/country-laws/view Database of laws regulating e-cigarettes by country] — from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
{{Electronic cigarettes}}