Official views on e-cigarettes and nicotine consumption, in general, are mixed. In the United Kingdom, official health organizations strongly advocate the use of e-cigarettes. Smoking creates a significant financial strain on the National Health Service, thus switching to e-cigarettes would save the UK money.
Most other countries/regions permit the usage of regulated e-cigarette marketplaces, however public approval for this practice has been mixed.
The FDA regulates vapor products in the United States, although it has been working to build an efficient regulatory structure for the last eight years. To some extent, Canada has adopted the UK model, although, like in the United States, provinces are allowed to define their laws, which can occasionally conflict with the federal government's goals.
E-cigarettes are prohibited in more than 40 nations or territories (use, sale, importation, or a combination of the three). Some e-cigarette restrictions include outright prohibitions, including prohibitions on sale and possession. Prohibitions are more common in Asia, the Middle East, and South America, however, Australia has the most renowned nicotine bans.
In certain nations, the treatment of new tobacco is perplexing. In Japan, for example, e-cigarette usage is allowed and items are marketed, except nicotine-laced e-liquid, which is prohibited. Non-hot-burning tobacco products such as IQOS, on the other hand, are totally legal and extensively used.
It's difficult to keep up with all the changes in e-cigarette legislation. What we've attempted to do here is provide brief explanations of national rules that prohibit or limit the use of e-cigarettes or vapor products. This is not a travel guide or advice on using e-cigarettes while flying. If you're traveling to an unknown nation or area, contact your country's embassy or a travel agent in the country you'll be visiting for the most up-to-date and reputable information.
Why do some countries ban the use of e-cigarettes?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and its tobacco control arm, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), is a global treaty signed by over 180 countries that have encouraged restrictions and bans on e-cigarettes since the first products were released in Europe. The WHO has had a huge influence (often the strongest influence) on health and smoking policies in many countries/regions, particularly in poorer countries, and the WHO has funded programs.
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is governed by advisers from private anti-smoking organizations in the United States, such as the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, even though the United States is not a signatory to the treaty. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has taken over these organizations' efforts to prohibit smoking and other tobacco damage reduction products, with disastrous effects for smokers in many nations. Even though harm reduction was highlighted as the best method for tobacco control in the treaty's founding statement, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control nevertheless advises its members (most countries) to prohibit or closely regulate e-cigarettes.
Tobacco sales, particularly cigarette sales, are a major source of tax income in most nations. In other areas, government authorities have been forthright about their decision to prohibit or restrict the use of atomized goods to preserve tobacco profits. E-cigarettes are frequently included in tobacco product legislation by governments, making it simpler to levy punitive fees on users.
When Indonesia slapped a 57 percent tax on e-cigarettes, officials from the Ministry of Finance said that the tariff was implemented to reduce e-cigarette usage.
The U.S. bans flavored vapes and online sales
The FDA can regulate vaping goods on a federal level. The FDA began considering Premarket Tobacco Applications (PMTAs) in September 2020 and has stated that flavored products would not be approved unless there is compelling evidence. Federal courts may decide whether the agency succeeds in setting an unwritten standard that bans all authorized flavored items (excluding tobacco and menthol).
U.S. E-CIGARETTE REGULATIONS - 50 STATE REVIEW
State | Vaping Bans | Are Vape Pens and E-Cigarettes Considered Tobacco Products? | Ages Limits to Buy or Use E-Cigarettes |
Alabama | Licensed emergency medical providers (Section 420-2-1.28(6)(i)) and licensed daycare facility workers cannot use these products while working (Section 660-5-26.03(4)(k)(10)). | No | Must be 21 years old (Section 28-11-13(a)) |
Alaska | E-cigarettes are banned where smoking is banned (Section 18-35-399(12)). Cannot be used in enclosed public spaces, in prohibited areas, or near children (Section 18-35-301). | No | Must be 19 years old (Section 11-76-105) unless used for medical purposes (Section 11-76-109) |
Arizona | Banned in foster homes or around foster children (Section 21-6-315) | No | Must be 18 years old (Section 13-3622(A-b)) |
Arkansas | Cannot use near schools, childcare facilities, or healthcare buildings (Section 26-57-254(b) and 6-21-609(b)). Banned on state college campuses (Section 6-60-804(a)) and state park buildings (Section 013-05.1-1191). | No | Must be 18 years old (Section 5-27-227(b)(1)) |
California | Banned in youth jails (Section 1712.5(a)). Use is extremely restricted around minors and in public areas. | Yes – Section 22950.5(d)(1)(b) | Must be 21+ or 18 years old in the active military (Sections 22958(a) and 22963(a)). Must be 21+ for mail order service (Section 22963(a-b)). |
Colorado | Product use is banned around minors in public or daycare facilities (Section 25-14-103.5), during driving tests (Section 204-30:8-401(p)), and in assisted living residences (Section 1011-1:7-13.4(A)) | Yes – Section 18-13-121(5) | Must be 18 years old (Sections 18-13-121(1)(a) and 44-7-103(1)) |
Connecticut | Vaping is banned in government, health, and food industries. Banned in hotel/motel rooms. Generally banned around facilities with minors, such as schools. (Section 19a-342a(b-c)) | No | Must be 18 years old (Section 53-344b(b-c)) |
Delaware | Product use prohibited anywhere smoking is also prohibited (Section 16-2902(12)) | Yes – Section 30-5301(15) | Must be 18 years old (Sections 11-1116(a) and 1118(a)) |
District of Columbia | Use banned everywhere smoking is also banned (Section 7-1702(7)) | Yes – Section 47-2401(5A) | Must be 21 years old (Section 7-1721.02(a)) |
Florida | Use is banned in enclosed indoor spaces (including cars) and in buildings or vehicles that provide care to adults or children (Section 20(a-b)). Some exceptions may apply. | No | Must be 21 years old (Section 569.42) |
Georgia | Cannot be used by foodservice employees unless in a designated smoking area (Section 511-6-1-.03(5)(j)(1)) | No | Must be 18 years old (Section 16-12-171(a)(1)(A)) |
Hawaii | E-cigarettes and vaping are banned in the same places as smoking (Section 328J-1). Use is banned in all parks and at all University of Hawaii properties (Section 304A-122(a)). Purchase requires an ID even if using a mail-order delivery service (Section 245-17(b)). | Yes – Section 323F-34(d) | Must be 21 years old (Section 712-1258(1) and (5)) |
Idaho | Shipping products to anyone under 18 is illegal (Section 39-5717A). | No | Must be 18 years old (Sections 39-5705(1) and 39-5714(1)) |
Illinois | Use banned on college campuses (Section 110-64/10) and at the Capitol Complex (Section 71-2005.40(m)) | No | Must be 18 years old (Section 720-675/1.5(b)) |
Indiana | Age restrictions on use. Mail orders must establish legal age (Section 7.1-7-5.5-3). | Yes – Section 7.1-1-3-47.5(b) | Must be 18 years old (Sections 35-46-1-10(a), 35-46-1-10.2(a), and 35-46-1-10.5(a)) |
Iowa | Banned on state property, including outdoors, except on select properties on Capitol Complex (State Employee Policy Appendix E). Banned on the University of Iowa campus (Section 681-12.6(262)) and in foster homes around foster children (Section 441-113.5(237)(6)(g)). | No | Must be 18 years old (Section 453A.2(1-2)) |
Kansas | Banned at juvenile corrections facilities and juvenile jails (Section 123-2-111(a)(b)(16)) | No | Must be 18 years old (Section 79-3321(I)) |
Kentucky | Use prohibited on property owned by the state Executive branch, including vehicles. Banned in some healthcare facilities, veterans’ parks, fairgrounds, and highway rest areas (Section 2014-747). Prohibited in underground mines (Section 352.170(3)). Childcare employees are banned from using around children (Sections 922-2:180:5(7)(b) and 2:120:3(10)). | No | Must be 18 years old (Sections 438.310(1), 438.313(1) and 438.315(1)) |
Louisiana | Banned on school property (Section 17:240(A)(2)) | No | Must be 18 years old (Sections 14:91.8(C), 26:911(A)(1) and 14:91.6(A)) unless you have parental permission or use in a private residence (Section 14:91.8(F)) |
Maine | Prohibited in the same places smoking is banned (Section 22-1541(6)) and the Wells Reserve aside from the designated smoking areas (Section 94-335-1-1(G)(4)). | Yes – Section 22-1551(3) | Must be 21 years old unless you are already 18 as of July 1, 2018 (Section 22-1555-B(2)) |
Maryland | N/A | No | Illegal for “minors” (Section 10-107(b)(2),(c)(1)) |
Massachusetts | Use banned in the same places that smoking is banned (Section 270-22(a)) except for designated smoking areas. Banned at children’s camps (Section 105-430.165). | Yes – Section 270-6 | Must be 21 years old or have turned 18 before December 31, 2018 (Section 940-21.04(3)) |
Michigan | Banned in Third Judicial Circuit Court (Section R 3 8.115(F)(1)) | No | N/A |
Minnesota | Use banned in child and healthcare businesses, government buildings, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, public and charter schools, and facilities licensed by the commissioner of health. Some exceptions apply (Section 144.414). Employees of a salon cannot use vaping devices while working (Section R.2105.0375). | Yes – Section 297F.01(19) | Must be 18 years old (Sections 609.685(1)(a) and (2)(a-b)) |
Mississippi | N/A | No | Must be 18 years old (Section 97-32-51(2)) |
Missouri | N/A | No | Must be 18 years old (Sections 407.926.1, 407.931.1, and 407.931.3) |
Montana | N/A | No | Must be 18 years old (Section 16-11-305(1)) |
Nebraska | Use banned in public places and places of employment (Sections 71-5727 and 71-5729) | No | Must be 18 years old (Sections 28-1419 and 28-1425) |
Nevada | Limitations on using vape pens or e-cigarettes at a piercing salon (Section 49) | No | Must be 18 years old (Section 202.2493.2) |
New Hampshire | Use banned in all areas where smoking is also banned (Section 155:66). Banned on the ground of any public educational building (Section 126-K:7(I)). | No | Must be 18 years old (Sections 126-K:4(I) and 126-K:8(I)) |
New Jersey | Banned in all areas where smoking is banned (Section 26:3D-57), banned in children’s group homes (Section 3A:56-4.6), and restricted in Atlantic City International Airport aside from designated smoking areas. | Yes – Section 54:40B-2 | Must be 21 years old (Sections 2A:170-51.4(a)(2) and 2C:33-13.1(a)) |
New Mexico | Vaping banned wherever smoking is banned (Section 24-16-13) | Yes | Must be 21 years old (Sections 61-37-2 and 61-37-3) |
New York | Vaping is banned wherever smoking is banned, with some minor exceptions (Section 1399-q) | No | Must be 18 years old (Sections 1399-cc(2) and 1399-bb(4-5)) |
North Carolina | Use banned in childcare centers, family childcare homes, jail and prison, on school property, and at school events (Section 115C-407) | Yes – Section 14-313(a)(4) | Must be 18 years old (Section 14-313(b)) |
North Dakota | Use banned everywhere smoking is banned with some exceptions (Section 23-12-09(14)) | No | Must be 18 years old (Section 12.1-31-03(1)(a)) |
Ohio | Use banned in capitol buildings (Section 128-4-02(G)(9)) and body art/tattoo procedure or equipment sterilization rooms (Section 3701-9-04(K)). Prohibited on the University of Cincinnati campus and various other campuses by policy (Section 3361:10-17-06(B)(1)). | No | Must be 18 years old (Section 2927.02(B)(1)) unless bought with a parent (Section 2151.87(B)) |
Oklahoma | Banned in any facility used to treat addiction recovery, mental illness, opioid addiction, or other addictive disorders such as gambling (specific laws can be found in Section 450). | No | Must be 21 years old (Section 10A-2-8-224(A)) |
Oregon | Use is generally banned everywhere smoking is banned (Sections 433.845 and 433.850). Persons over age 21 can use e-cigs and vape pens at college facilities or facility-sponsored events in designated areas (Section 339.883). Cannot be used in a car with anyone under 18 years old (Section 811.193). | No | Must be 21 years old (Section 167.755(1)) |
Pennsylvania | Use is banned in the same places that smoking is banned (Section 6306) | Yes – Section 8201-A | Must be 21 years old, or 18 if in the military or an honorably discharged veteran (Section 6305) |
Rhode Island | Use banned in the same places smoking is banned (Section 23-20.10-2(19)) with some exceptions. Banned at all correctional facilities, including vehicles and properties (Section 240-20-1.6(D) and 1.16(D)). | Yes - Section 11-9-13.4 | Must be 21 years old (Sections 11-9-13 and 11-9-13.10) |
South Carolina | Use banned in ambulances (Section 61-7-601(O)) | No | Must be 18 years old (Sections 16-17-500(A)-502(A)) |
South Dakota | Use prohibited where smoking is also banned (Section 34-46-1(6)) and in correctional facilities (including use by staff, in vehicles, or on the grounds) (Section 1.3.C.7). | Yes – Section 34-46-20 | Must be 21 years old (Section 34-46-2(2)) |
Tennessee | Use generally banned in childcare centers; community centers in use; group care homes; healthcare facilities; museums when open; elementary and secondary schools (adult staff may use outdoors but not within 100 feet of a door); residential treatment facilities; youth development centers; zoos; any school grounds generally (Section 39-17-1604) Use banned at Tennessee Tech University and Cookeville Student Housing (Section 0240-09-02-.05(2)(d)) | No | Must be 21 years old (Sections 39-17-1504(a) and 39-17-1505(a)) |
Texas | Product use is restricted to designated smoking areas (Section 48.01(a-1), (d)) and banned from school-related activities (Section 38.006(b)). Also banned in Department of Criminal Justice facilities except for designated areas (Section 151.25(d)) and in all childcare centers or childcare vehicles (Sections 746.3703(d), 747.3503(d), and 748.1661). | No | Must be 18 years old, including redeeming a coupon for the product (Sections 161.082 and 161.087), unless with a parent, guardian, or spouse (Section 161.252) |
Utah | Use banned where smoking is banned (Section 26-38-2(6)), including cars with anyone 15 years old or younger (Section 41-6a-1717). | Yes – Section 76-10-101 | Must be 19 years old to buy from a store or distributor (Section 76-10-104(1)) and must be 18 years old to buy or have e-cigarettes (Section 76-10-105(1)). The exception is active military members over age 18 or anyone accompanied by a parent (Section 26-62-205). |
Vermont | Tobacco substitute products are banned where smoking is banned (Sections 18-1742 with exceptions in 18-1743 and 1421(a)) and in cars with a person under 18 years old (Section 23-1134b(a)). Banned at childcare centers, after-school activities (Section 33-3504(a)), and on public school grounds or at school events (Section 16-140). | No | Must be 21 years old (Sections 7-40-1003(a) and 1005(a)(1)) |
Virginia | Use is prohibited on buses, on school property, and during school activities (Sections 22.1-79.5 and 22.1-279.6(H)). | No | Must be 21 years old or an active duty military member age 18 or older (Section 18.2-371.2(A)(B)(D)) |
Washington | Use banned at childcare buildings, playgrounds, schools, and everywhere smoking is also banned (Section 70.345.150 and 110-300-0420(2)). Banned at most colleges and universities in their regulations and in state-run veteran’s homes except for designated areas (Section 484-20-090(1)(h)). | No | Must be 21 years old (Sections 26.28.080(1) and 70.345.140(1)) |
West Virginia | Use banned where smoking is banned, including in state-owned vehicles, in schools, and on school grounds, except in areas that are inaccessible to students or not used for school purposes (Section 16-9A-4). | Yes – Section 16-9A-2(a)(1) | Must be 18 years old (Section 16-9A-2(b)(3)) |
Wisconsin | Use banned at State Fair Park main stage and indoor buildings (Wisconsin State Fair Admission Policy) | No | Must be 18 years old (Section 134.66(2)(a)) |
Wyoming | Use is banned in all childcare facilities while children are present (Section 4-14(t)) | Yes (considered a "nicotine product") – Section 14-3-301(a)(i) | Must be 21 years old (Section 14-3-302(a),(c) and 14-3-304(a)) |
Legal regulation of e-cigarettes in the UK
The MHRA is the competent authority for a notification scheme for e-cigarettes and refill containers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland and is responsible for implementing the majority of provisions under Part 6 of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR), as amended.
The TRPR introduced rules which ensure:
Minimum standards for the safety and quality of all e-cigarettes and refill containers (otherwise known as e-liquids)
That information is provided to consumers so that they can make informed choices
An environment that protects children from starting to use these products.
The requirements:
Restrict e-cigarette tanks to a capacity of no more than 2ml
Restrict the maximum volume of nicotine-containing e-liquid for sale in one refill container to 10ml
Restrict e-liquids to a nicotine strength of no more than 20mg/ml
Require nicotine-containing products or their packaging to be child-resistant and tamper-evident
Ban certain ingredients including colorings, caffeine, and taurine
Include new labeling requirements and warnings
Require all e-cigarettes and e-liquids be notified and published by the MHRA before they can be sold
E-cigarettes: regulations for consumer products
Legal regulation of e-cigarettes in Japan
"E-cigarettes containing nicotine were banned starting in 2010. Non-nicotine e-cigarettes are sold to adults and minors since no regulation exists for non-nicotine e-cigarettes in Japan. Now it is legal if the e-cigarette is registered as a medicinal product."
Vaping is not forbidden in Japan, but nicotine is. People are allowed to vape zero-nicotine e-liquids with no restrictions. Nevertheless, vaping devices containing nicotine liquids are considered medical devices and must respect the import limit of 120 ml for the one-month personal usage.
Other than the Japanese law, there are also some implicit Japanese rules regarding smoking and vaping that you should be aware of.
Legal regulation of e-cigarettes in Korea
In South Korea, nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are classified as tobacco products, and their sale is prohibited to minors under 19 years. Packaging and advertisements have to include health warnings saying they contain any listed harmful substances Nicotine-containing-e-cigarette adverts can only be featured a maximum of 10 times per magazine per year. Vaping is banned in public places and on public transport but is allowed in designated smoking areas. E-cigarettes have several taxes and charges applied to them (national health promotion, tobacco consumption, local education, and individual consumption taxes) proportional to 1,799 won per ml (approx. USD 1.53) of nicotine liquid. There is also a waste charge of 24 won/20 cartridges (approx. USD 0.02) and a 10% Value Added Tax (VAT).
Legal regulation of e-cigarettes in Singapore
Under section 16(2A) of the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA), it is illegal to possess, purchase and use vaporizers in Singapore as of 1 February 2018. This includes e-cigarettes, e-pipes, and e-cigars as the TCASA covers any toy, device, or article:
That resembles, or is designed to resemble, a tobacco product;
That is capable of being smoked;
That may be used in such a way as to mimic the act of smoking; or
The packaging of which resembles, or is designed to resemble, the packaging commonly associated with tobacco products.
Persons found guilty of this offense can be fined up to $2,000.
In addition, under section 16(1) of the TCASA, it has been illegal to import vaporizers from 1 August 2016 onwards.
This means that buying vaporizers online and shipping them to Singapore for personal use is illegal. Those guilty of the offense are liable to a fine of up to $10,000 and/or up-to 6 months in jail. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine of up to $20,000 and/or to 12 months in jail.
Singapore Electronic Cigarette Regulations
Legal regulation of e-cigarettes in France
France’s set of regulations for electronic cigarettes seems to be helping the country stay clear of the health scare happening in the US.
“European regulations, adopted in France, establish a maximum rate of nicotine quantity of 20mg/ml,” said a spokesperson, “while in the US, refill bottles sold on the market contain much higher nicotine levels.”
In France, certain additives, like vitamines, used in the production of American e-liquids are prohibited, they added.
Vaporizing products go through strict controls in France since they all need to be registered with the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) before being sold on the market, the agency told The Local.
French health law prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in schools, enclosed workplaces, and on public transport. However, the use of e-cigarettes in restaurants and bars remains at the discretion of the business owner.
Anyone caught smoking an e-cigarette in a prohibited area will be fined 35 euros, in addition to the ban on e-cigarette advertising in France.
French Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Regulations
Legal regulation of e-cigarettes in Germany
The Tobacco Duty Modernization Act, which will add an extra tax to e-liquids, has been enacted in Germany, one of the finest countries to vape in. Starting July 1, 2022, the tax will be 0.16 euros per milliliter and will grow until January 1, 2026, when it will be 0.32 euros per milliliter.
The measure raises taxes on all types of nicotine, not only vapes and e-cigarettes. Under heated tobacco, IQOS is given its section. Shisha and hookah will be taxed, and the tax rates on cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products will also be raised. Vapes and e-cigarettes are categorized as "cigarette replacements" and are included.
Unfortunately, because e-liquids are taxed by volume, 0mg e-liquids and nicotine-free e-liquids will be taxed as nicotine goods as well. While this appears to be paradoxical at first glance, the explanation for this is most likely related to how vape juice is marketed in the EU following the TPD.
The Tobacco Excise Directive, which governs tobacco rules in the European Union, is also being updated (TED). Although a vape tax may not be agreed upon by all European countries, it is another tax that might harm German vapers.
Though the Tobacco Duty Modernization Act is a broad-based tax hike on nicotine, it will have an impact on vaping as well.
Legal regulation of e-cigarettes in Spain
The Royal Decree 579/2017, which has been in force since June 11, 2017, is Spanish legislation governing the production, advertising, and sale of vaping goods. It essentially converts the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) into Spanish rules.
As a result of the above, the sale of atomizers larger than 2mL and e-liquid containers larger than 10mL will be prohibited across the country in a few months. But that's not all: the Spanish government is working on a new measure that, if passed, would make it illegal to sell any vaping-related items online.
Legal regulation of e-cigarettes in China
Recently, the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration issued the "Electronic Cigarette Management Measures", which will officially come into effect in May. The main contents of the Measures for the Administration of Electronic Cigarettes are:
Clear definition and regulatory objects of e-cigarettes
The implementation of license management for the production, wholesale and retail of e-cigarettes. No new administrative license types will be created for the management of e-cigarettes, and only corresponding entries will be added to the license scope of tobacco monopoly production, wholesale and retail licenses
Implementing channel management for the sale of e-cigarettes, establishing a management platform for e-cigarette transactions, and regulating the way e-cigarettes are sold
To manage the quality of e-cigarette products throughout the entire process, and establish a technical review and tracking and tracing mechanism for e-cigarette products
Implement regulation of the transportation and import and export of e-cigarettes by the law.
Legal regulation of e-cigarettes in Italy
Italy abides by the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) (2014). The Italian law that implements the TPD is Legislative Decree 12 January 2016, No. 6. As such, e-cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products. Indoor vaping bans apply to governmental buildings. Recent (2018) changes in legislation have made distance sales and online sales illegal. Some online commentators fear a recent tax hike, which applies to e-cigarettes but not heated tobacco products, will discourage safer nicotine use. The Chamber of Deputies, on 13th December 2018, approved a tax decree which will reduce the current taxation on e-liquids containing nicotine for electronic cigarettes by 80%. This would reduce the current heavy taxation of almost 4 euros for a 10 ml bottle to light taxation of 80 cents (for e-liquids containing nicotine).
Countries that ban the sale or use of e-cigarette products
Vaping is prohibited in certain countries, including both sales and possession. In Asia, the Middle East, and South America, prohibition is most frequent. The unauthorized importation of vaping goods is punishable in Australia, which follows an odd prescription-only regime. Nicotine vaping products are prohibited in Japan, although heated tobacco products like IQOS are allowed and extensively used.
Some nations completely prohibit usage and sales, while others just prohibit sales, while yet others prohibit solely nicotine-containing items. Many countries' regulations are disregarded, and underground marketplaces thrive. Others have them imposed on them (but those still have black markets too). If a nation isn't on the list, vaping is either permitted and controlled, or there is no explicit legislation controlling electronic cigarettes (as of now anyway).
This isn’t meant as a definitive legal guide for traveling vapers. If you’re visiting an unfamiliar country you should first check with an up-to-date official source like your country’s state department, or the travel bureau of the country you’re visiting.
Antigua and Barbuda
Legal to use, illegal to sell
Argentina
Legal to use, illegal to sell
Australia
Legal to use, illegal to possess nicotine without a doctor’s prescription. Importing nicotine illegally can be punished with fines of up to $222,000. Penalties for possession vary from one state to the next, but can also be quite severe
Bangladesh
Bangladesh currently has no laws or regulations specific to vaping. However, in 2021 the government announced it would update the country’s tobacco control law with an outright ban on the sales of e-cigarettes
Bhutan
Legal to use, illegal to sell
Brazil
Legal to use, illegal to sell
Brunei Darussalam
Legal to use, illegal to sell
Cambodia
Banned: illegal to use, illegal to sell
Chile
Legal to use, illegal to sell (except for approved medical products)
Colombia
Legal to use, illegal to sell
East Timor
Believed to be banned
Egypt
Legal to use, illegal to sell—although the country may be on the verge of regulating vaping products
Ethiopia
Believed legal to use, illegal to sell
The Gambia
Believed illegal to use, illegal to sell
Hong Kong
Legal to use, illegal to sell. The HK Legislative Council passed a ban on sales, importation, manufacture, and promotion of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in October 2021
India
Legal to use, illegal to sell. In September 2019, the Indian central government banned sales of vaping products. The government, well aware that 100 million Indians smoke and that tobacco kills nearly a million people a year, did not make any moves to reduce access to cigarettes. Not coincidentally, the Indian government owns a large share of the country’s largest tobacco company
Iran
Believed legal to use, illegal to sell
Jamaica
Legal to use, illegal to sell nicotine-containing products without a medical license
Kuwait
Believed legal to use, illegal to sell
Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos)
Illegal to use, illegal to sell
Lebanon
Legal to use, illegal to sell
Macau
Legal to use, illegal to sell. Imports for personal use are currently not banned, but the government is working on that too
Malaysia
Legal to use, illegal to sell nicotine-containing products. Although consumer sales of nicotine-containing products are illegal, Malaysia has a thriving vaping market. Authorities occasionally raid retailers and confiscate products. Sales of all vaping products (even without nicotine) are banned outright in the states of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Penang, and Terengganu
Mauritius
Legal to use, illegal to sell
Mexico
Legal to use, the legality of importation, and sales are disputed. In February 2020, the Mexican president issued a decree banning the import of all vaping products, including zero-nicotine products. The law was overturned a year later, and the legal status of vaping product sales is currently being disputed. However, there is a large and robust informal vaping product market
Myanmar
Believed to be banned
Nepal
Legal to use where smoking is allowed, illegal to sell
Nicaragua
Believed illegal to use, illegal to sell
North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)
Banned
Oman
Believed legal to use, illegal to sell
Panama
Legal to use, illegal to sell
Qatar
Banned: illegal to use, illegal to sell
Seychelles
Legal to use, illegal to sell. However, the country announced in 2019 its intention to legalize and regulate e-cigarettes
Sri Lanka
Legal to use, illegal to sell
Suriname
Legal to use, illegal to sell
Syria
Banned: illegal to use, illegal to sell
Thailand
Believed legal to use, illegal to sell. Thailand has earned a reputation for enforcing its ban on importation and sales of vaping products with several high-profile incidents in recent years, including detaining and even deporting vaping tourists
Timor-Leste
Legal to use, illegal to sell
Turkey
Legal to use, illegal to import. Importation of vaping products is illegal in Turkey, and when the country reaffirmed its ban in 2017, the World Health Organization issued a press release cheering the decision. But Turkey’s laws are conflicting, and there is a vaping market and a vaping community in Turkey
Turkmenistan
Believed legal to use, illegal to sell
Uganda
Legal to use, illegal to sell
Uruguay
Legal to use, illegal to sell
Vatican City
Believed to be banned
Venezuela
Legal to use believed illegal to sell unless approved as medical products
Finally, IHAVE VAPING will continue to monitor the policy and you can bookmark the website for more comprehensive information on e-cigarettes.