Vietnam May Scrap New Tobacco Tax Regulation as Health Minister Warns of Misunderstanding

Nov.25.2024
Vietnam May Scrap New Tobacco Tax Regulation as Health Minister Warns of Misunderstanding
Vietnam’s Health Minister has proposed canceling the taxation of e-cigarettes, citing the potential for misunderstanding. The minister also urged the government to ban new tobacco products to prevent nicotine addiction.

According to a report by Baovanhoa on November 24th, Vietnamese Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan stated at a special meeting of the working group on amending the excise tax law on November 22nd that she recommended removing the provision for imposing excise tax on novel tobacco products, as it can easily lead to misunderstanding.


The Health Minister proposed removing Section 12 from the draft law, which pertains to the imposition of a special consumption tax on specific imported, produced, and sold categories of new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco.


She explained that currently, the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act has not yet regulated any new types of tobacco, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. Therefore, it is unreasonable to include them in the tax scope without legal basis.


In addition, Article 2, Paragraph 3 of the draft stipulates: "If necessary, based on changes in economic and social conditions, the government may amend the specific consumption tax targets in this article as deemed appropriate." The minister pointed out that this provisional provision could be misunderstood as allowing for the production and sale of these products.


In the cigarette tax rate table, the Ministry of Health also recommends eliminating the measurement unit in milliliters (ml) as cigarettes and their ingredients do not contain e-liquid components. E-liquid components are only found in e-cigarettes, so regulations should not be supplemented with measurements in milliliters, as this could be seen as regulatory support for the sale of e-cigarettes.


The minister also urged the government to ban e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and other new tobacco products to prevent more people from becoming addicted to nicotine. She pointed out that the Ministry of Health will push for amendments and supplements to the "Tobacco Hazard Prevention and Control Law" in the future.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Philippines Tax Bureau Files 75 Cases Against Illegal Vape Sellers, Liabilities Exceed $12.28 Million
Philippines Tax Bureau Files 75 Cases Against Illegal Vape Sellers, Liabilities Exceed $12.28 Million
The Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed 75 criminal complaints before the Department of Justice, accusing multiple individuals and businesses of involvement in the illicit trade of vape products, with total tax liabilities exceeding ₱711.13 million (about US$12.28 million). The BIR Commissioner stated that the vapes involved in the cases had not paid the required excise taxes. The accused now face charges including tax evasion, unlawful possession or transfer of taxable goods
Aug.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ripon Shop Fined After Selling Illegal High-Nicotine Vapes Equal to “50 Packs”in the UK
Ripon Shop Fined After Selling Illegal High-Nicotine Vapes Equal to “50 Packs”in the UK
A Ripon retailer and its director were prosecuted after trading standards officers uncovered hundreds of illegal disposable vapes with nicotine volumes far above U.K. limits. Barlick Megatronic Mobiles Ltd (trading as Phonefix) and director Humayoun Khan pleaded guilty at York Magistrates’ Court on Sept. 4, 2025. Officers seized 654 illegal vapes in February 2024, then bought another unlawful device during an October follow-up. While the dissolved company avoided a corporate penalty, Khan was fi
Sep.08
Special Report | Anti-Vaping Campaign in the Baltics Goes Sideways
Special Report | Anti-Vaping Campaign in the Baltics Goes Sideways
2Firsts analyzes vaping regulations across the Baltic states. Following Latvia’s flavor ban, tax revenues fell and the black market expanded, while similar measures in Estonia and Lithuania have also failed to deliver results. The region’s anti-vaping policies are now triggering market imbalance and policy reassessment.
Oct.13
Brazil: Americana Councilor Proposes Ban on Vaping in Public Places
Brazil: Americana Councilor Proposes Ban on Vaping in Public Places
On September 1, Wagner Rovina, a councilor in Americana, Brazil, submitted a bill to the city council proposing a ban on the use of electronic cigarettes in public places, including squares, parks, schools, restaurants, and cinemas. The proposal is expected to go to a vote soon. It aims to strengthen oversight, protect public health, and prevent underage vaping.
Sep.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singaporean minister responds to international skepticism: Banning e-cigarettes early is key to preventing young people from becoming addicted
Singaporean minister responds to international skepticism: Banning e-cigarettes early is key to preventing young people from becoming addicted
Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that cities legalizing e-cigarettes for smoking cessation now face negative impacts, while Singapore upholds a total e-cigarette ban. He stressed the importance of early bans on new harmful substances to prevent societal harm. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam added that despite foreign opposition, the ban helps maintain social security.
Sep.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belgium to Tighten Tobacco Controls in 2027: Vaping Banned on Café & Restaurant Terraces; Shisha Bars to Close
Belgium to Tighten Tobacco Controls in 2027: Vaping Banned on Café & Restaurant Terraces; Shisha Bars to Close
The Belgian government has announced a new round of tobacco-control measures: starting January 1, 2027, smoking traditional tobacco and using e-cigarettes will be banned on café and restaurant terraces, all designated indoor smoking rooms will be abolished, and shisha bars will be closed. The ban applies to both customers and operators; terraces must display no-smoking signage, and even placing ashtrays on tables will be subject to penalties.
Sep.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai