The Prime Minister instructed relevant agencies to propose regulations to prevent the use of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, shisha, and other new tobacco products.
On May 24th, the Prime Minister approved the national strategy on tobacco control until 2030. The goal for the next two years is to reduce the tobacco use rate among men aged 15 and over to below 39%; and among women to 1.4%; and to reduce the number of people exposed to secondhand smoke in workplaces, restaurants, bars, cafes, and hotels.
The harmful effects of tobacco will continue to be studied, especially with new products. Vietnam is also developing a roadmap to increase taxes on this product and regulate minimum selling prices.
The sale of tobacco products at duty-free shops is tightly controlled, and completely smoke-free areas have been expanded. The area for printing health warnings on cigarette packs has increased; advertising these products on online platforms and the Internet may also be banned.
Previously, the Ministry of Health had repeatedly proposed banning all new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Experts believe that Vietnam currently lacks a developed e-cigarette market, with most sales occurring through unofficial channels such as personal imports and online sales. Therefore, enacting a ban before these products become widely available on the market would be feasible.
E-cigarettes can be addictive. Photo: WTVA
In early May, the Ministry of Health sent a document to the Ministries of Education and Training , Industry and Trade, Information and Communications, and the Police requesting action against cases of buying, selling, and trading in e-cigarettes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2019 survey, the rate of e-cigarette use among 15-17 year old students in Vietnam was 2.6%. A 2022 survey of e-cigarette use among students aged 13-15 showed a rate of 3.5%.
The WHO also stated that there are currently around 20,000 types of flavorings used in e-cigarette products, many of which are toxic and have not been fully assessed for their potential harm to health.
E-cigarettes contain nicotine, an addictive substance that causes cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive diseases. The e-cigarette liquid also contains glycerin and propylene glycol, which can form propylene oxide, a carcinogen, when heated and vaporized.
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