The issuance of the new decree is expected to increase the effectiveness of state management in the prevention and control of tobacco harm, while also contributing to preventing e-cigarettes from infiltrating schools and the living environments of young people.
Increase penalties for smoking in prohibited areas.
According to the new regulations, people who smoke in prohibited areas will be fined between 200,000 and 500,000 VND.
Not only will smokers be fined, but the agencies and units managing smoke-free areas will also be penalized if they fail to fulfill their responsibilities as stipulated. Fines ranging from 3 to 5 million VND will be applied to the following actions: failing to display "no smoking" signs; failing to conduct inspections, issue warnings, or implement measures to ensure a smoke-free environment in areas under their management.
For designated smoking areas, establishments that violate regulations may be fined between 5 and 10 million VND if they fail to provide separate smoking rooms and ventilation systems; or lack ashtrays, signage, or fire safety equipment as required.
Strict penalties will be imposed for selling cigarettes to individuals under 18 years of age.
The decree also clearly defines the responsibilities of tobacco dealers and sales outlets. Accordingly, the failure to display a sign stating "No tobacco sales to persons under 18 years of age" will be subject to a fine of 1-3 million VND.
Fines ranging from 3 to 5 million VND are applied to acts of selling or supplying tobacco to persons under 18 years of age; selling tobacco without labels or without printed health warnings; and displaying tobacco in excess of the permitted quantity at retail outlets.
Notably, for the first time, specific penalties have been stipulated for the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, ranging from 3 to 5 million VND. In cases of harboring or allowing others to use e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products in locations under their jurisdiction, fines of 5 to 10 million VND may also be imposed.
In addition to monetary penalties, violators are also required to destroy e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in accordance with regulations.
Failure to print health warnings can result in fines of up to 40 million VND.
For businesses involved in the production, import, and printing of tobacco packaging, the new decree introduces stricter penalties to tighten enforcement of health warning regulations.
Specifically, fines ranging from 20 to 30 million VND will be applied to the following violations: using health warning labels that do not comply with regulations regarding content, color, size, or placement on cigarette packaging; and failing to periodically update warning content as required.
Fines ranging from 30 to 40 million VND are applied to the act of failing to print health warnings on the packaging of cigarettes sold in Vietnam or producing cigarettes bearing foreign brand names without permission from the competent authority.
In addition to administrative penalties, violating establishments may also have their related business operations suspended for 3-6 months, be forced to recall or destroy the infringing products, and return any illegally obtained profits.
Forcing others to use tobacco products is also punishable.
The new decree also adds many regulations aimed at enhancing responsibility in the prevention and control of tobacco harm and supporting smoking cessation.
Accordingly, individuals aged 16 to under 18 who use tobacco products will be fined between 200,000 and 500,000 VND.
The act of encouraging or forcing others to use tobacco products, or using individuals under 18 years of age to purchase tobacco products, is punishable by a fine of 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND.
In addition, the use of tobacco images in newspapers and publications intended for children; providing false information about tobacco; and failing to include tobacco harm prevention content in the operational plans of agencies and units... may also be subject to fines ranging from 3 to 5 million VND.
Decree No. 90/2026/ND-CP, upon its enactment, is expected to bring about significant changes in the prevention and control of tobacco harm, raise public awareness of compliance with the law, and contribute to building a civilized, safe, and smoke-free living environment.
Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/siet-chat-xu-phat-vi-pham-lien-quan-thuoc-la-300319
Comment (0)