Vietnam proposes $40-80 fine for e-cigarette, heated tobacco use

The Ministry of Health has proposed fines ranging from VND1-2 million (US$40-80) for individuals using e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, with repeat offenses subject to doubled penalties.

Under the draft amendment to Decree 117 on administrative penalties in the healthcare sector, violators’ information would be reported to relevant authorities or schools for further action, and confiscated products would be destroyed. The draft is open for public consultation until early March.

Vietnam bans e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products starting this year, becoming the sixth ASEAN nation and one of 43 countries worldwide to take the action. As of this year, these items are categorized as prohibited goods, with violations punishable under existing laws.

The production, trading, storage, transportation, and advertising of these products are penalized with sanctions ranging from fines of VND100 million to VND1 billion (US$4,000-40,000) or imprisonment of one to five years.

However, the lack of specific penalties for « use » and « facilitation » has prompted the health ministry to propose additional regulations.

The use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products has surged in Vietnam, especially among youth. From 2015 to 2020, the prevalence of e-cigarette use among adults (aged 15 and older) rose from 0.2% to 3.6%. Among students aged 13-17, usage increased from 2.6% in 2019 to 8.1% in 2023. Preliminary surveys in 11 provinces showed a 4.3% usage rate among girls aged 11-18 in 2023.

The health ministry has expressed grave concerns about this trend, particularly its impact on young people. These products not only pose health risks and cause nicotine addiction but are also often laced with drugs, leading to several cases of poisoning among students.

The Ministry of Public Security has reported a sharp rise in cases involving e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products containing drugs. In 2023, authorities prosecuted 86 cases, and the first quarter of 2024 saw 33 cases—nearly half the total from the previous year.

By Le Nga – VnExpress.net – January 20, 2025