Vietnam Health Ministry Proposes Administrative Penalties for E-cigarette Use

According to a report by Tuoitre on December 25th, the Ministry of Health and the Legal Department of Vietnam are planning to draft supplementary regulations on administrative penalties for harboring and using e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

On the 25th, the Ministry of Justice held a meeting to discuss the implementation of the resolution passed during the 8th session of the 15th National Assembly of Vietnam, which comprehensively bans e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Nguyen Tuan Lam, WHO expert in Vietnam, stated at the meeting that Vietnam needs to focus on preventing the illegal import, sale, and advertising of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, strengthen inspections and interceptions at borders and sales points, increase fines for illegal activities to have a greater deterrent effect. Furthermore, it is necessary to raise public awareness and promote cooperation among various departments through combined efforts of enforcement and education, similar to the mandatory use of helmets and drunk driving bans.

A representative from the Ministry of Justice stated that currently, there are administrative and criminal penalties in place for the production and transportation of prohibited items. However, there are no specific penalties in the law for the use of prohibited items. The Ministry of Health is proposing an amendment to Government Regulation No. 117, suggesting that the acts of "harboring" and "using" e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and other harmful gases and substances be categorized as illegal, with increased punishment powers based on simplified procedures.

In order to advance the implementation of the ban, the Ministry of Health has proposed strengthening training for law enforcement officers, expanding the accessibility of smoking cessation facilities, and utilizing tobacco control funds to provide support for smoking cessation.