Last updated: January 25, 2022
Main Policies
Sale of e-cigarettes
Decision No. 2149 bans the import of tobacco products that are specifically “consumed by being heated or being lit, other than cigarettes, shredded tobacco products for hand-rolled cigarettes, tobacco products for use in pipes, tobacco products for use in hookahs, cigars, and cigarillos, and all products that are used to imitate tobacco products regardless of their nicotine content including electronic cigarettes and electronic hookahs as well as electronic devices, apparatus, spare parts, and solutions used in the consumption of these products.” Therefore, the import of e-cigarettes is banned.
Circular No. 2020/7 provides an exception for imports for personal use, including one device per person and cartridges or solutions up to 30 ml, or 10 disposable electronic cigarettes in total.
Further, domestic production of e-cigarettes must have approval from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and no approval has been granted as of this review. As such, the combination of the import ban and the production ban effectively bans the sale of e-cigarettes.
Use in indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport
The law bans the use of any tobacco product, which, by definition, includes e-cigarettes, in all public transport and most indoor workplaces and indoor public places. Consumption of tobacco products is allowed in designated areas in care facilities for the elderly, psychiatric hospitals, and prisons. Also, hotel rooms may be designated for use of tobacco products. Therefore, existing smoking prohibitions are interpreted to apply to e-cigarettes.
Advertising and promotion (excluding point of sale product display)
The law bans virtually all forms of advertising and promotion of tobacco products, which, by definition, includes e-cigarettes.
Sponsorship
The law prohibits companies that produce or market “tobacco products,” which, by definition, includes e-cigarettes, from contributing in any manner to any event or activity by using their names, logos, or trademarks. However, there do not appear to be restrictions on sponsorship of things other than events and activities, and therefore sponsorship and publicity of individuals, organizations, or governments may be allowed. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.
Point of sale product display
The law bans the import of e-cigarettes and no production licenses for e-cigarettes have been granted as of this review; thus, the sale of e-cigarettes is effectively banned. Therefore, this policy is not applicable.
Sale of e-cigarettes via the internet
The law bans the import of e-cigarettes and no production licenses for e-cigarettes have been granted as of this review; thus, the sale of e-cigarettes is effectively banned. Therefore, this policy is not applicable.
Flavors (other than tobacco flavor)
The law bans the import of e-cigarettes and no production licenses for e-cigarettes have been granted as of this review; thus, the sale of e-cigarettes is effectively banned. Therefore, this policy is not applicable.
Specified ingredients/additives
The law bans the import of e-cigarettes and no production licenses for e-cigarettes have been granted as of this review; thus, the sale of e-cigarettes is effectively banned. Therefore, this policy is not applicable.
Health warnings on product packaging
The law bans the import of e-cigarettes and no production licenses for e-cigarettes have been granted as of this review; thus, the sale of e-cigarettes is effectively banned. Therefore, this policy is not applicable.
Other product packaging and labeling requirements
The law bans the import of e-cigarettes and no production licenses for e-cigarettes have been granted as of this review; thus, the sale of e-cigarettes is effectively banned. Therefore, this policy is not applicable.
Maximum nicotine concentration
The law bans the import of e-cigarettes and no production licenses for e-cigarettes have been granted as of this review; thus, the sale of e-cigarettes is effectively banned. Therefore, this policy is not applicable.
Device requirements
The law bans the import of e-cigarettes and no production licenses for e-cigarettes have been granted as of this review; thus, the sale of e-cigarettes is effectively banned. Therefore, this policy is not applicable.
Manufacturer/importer disclosures and/or notification requirements
The law bans the import of e-cigarettes and no production licenses for e-cigarettes have been granted as of this review; thus, the sale of e-cigarettes is effectively banned. Therefore, this policy is not applicable.
