Union Health Ministry Strengthens Ban on E-Cigarettes: Violation of Law Clarified

Union Health Ministry Strengthens Ban on E-Cigarettes: Violation of Law Clarified

VoM News Desk | October 3, 2023 | 03:32 PM IST | Breaking News, Health | Follow on Google News

Union Health Ministry Strengthens Ban on E-Cigarettes: Violation of Law Clarified

Union Health Ministry Strengthens Ban on E-Cigarettes: Violation of Law Clarified

The Union Health Ministry has issued a clarifying statement, reinforcing its stance on the prohibition of e-cigarettes and similar devices in India. The Ministry emphasized that possessing e-cigarettes in any form, quantity, or manner is a direct violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act (PECA) of 2019. This clarification aims to bolster the enforcement of the ban, signaling a stringent stance on electronic smoking devices.

Stringent Measures and Wider Prohibition Scope

While there is no explicit mention of individual use of e-cigarettes in PECA, the law comprehensively prohibits various aspects related to these products. It covers the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of e-cigarettes. Dr. Pulkesh Kumar, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Health, emphasized, “Therefore, possession of e-cigarette within the country in any quantity is not possible without contravening the provisions of PECA, 2019.” This reinforces the government’s commitment to curbing the use and availability of these devices.

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Wide-Ranging Ban and Public Health Concerns

The ban extends to all forms of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Heat Not Burn Products, e-Hookah, and similar devices. The Ministry cites public health as the primary reason for this action, aiming to safeguard citizens from the potential harms associated with e-cigarette usage.

Despite the stringent penalties and imprisonment provisions, e-cigarettes have continued to be accessible through various sources, including tobacco vendors, general stores, and online retailers. To address this issue, the Health Ministry has launched an online portal dedicated to reporting violations under PECA. This portal, accessible at “http://www.violation-reporting.in,” empowers citizens to report violations and enables the Ministry to take swift action.

The government’s concern extends to the rising use of e-cigarettes among the youth. In May, the Ministry issued a public notice to enhance the Act’s implementation. In July, notices were sent to 15 websites involved in the sale of e-cigarettes, urging them to cease advertising and selling such products. Furthermore, earlier in February, the Ministry communicated with all states and Union territories, urging them to ensure strict compliance with the government’s ban on e-cigarettes. The Ministry specifically highlighted concerns about the sale of e-cigarettes near educational institutions, emphasizing the importance of curbing accessibility to these products among young individuals.

VoM News Desk

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