As expected after months of speculation, the Indian government has banned e-cigarettes in India with immediate effect, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed today.
Blaming uncertain health risks and the increasing use of vapes, e-cigarettes and ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery systems), Sitharaman said India is banning any operations based around e-cigarettes. This includes “production, manufacturing, import/export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertising related to e-cigarettes” Sitharaman said at a press conference.
The Indian government had proposed banning ENDS under the Prohibition of E-cigarettes Ordinance, 2019, which was recently reviewed by ministers following directions from the Prime Minister’s Office. The draft had proposed a one year prison sentence for use, sale or promotion of e-cigarettes with a penalty of INR 1 Lakh against first-time violators.
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