India bans sale of e-cigarettes, as vaping comes under increased global scrutiny

The ban cuts off a huge future market from e-cigarette makers at a time when the number of people smoking worldwide is declining

It will be imposed through an executive order and will include jail terms of up to three years for offenders

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E-cigarette devices on display at a vaping shop in New Delhi. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:00am, 20 Sep 2019Updated: 12:29pm, 20 Sep 2019

India this week banned the sale of electronic cigarettes and warned of an “epidemic” among young people, in the latest and potentially biggest move globally against vaping over growing health concerns.

The Wednesday ban cuts off a huge future market from e-cigarette makers as the number of people smoking tobacco worldwide is declining. It could dash the expansion plans of companies such as Juul Labs and Philip Morris International in the country.

“These novel products come with attractive appearances and multiple flavours and their use has increased exponentially and acquired epidemic proportions in developed countries, especially among youth and children,” India’s health ministry said.

The ban also covers the production, import and advertising of e-cigarettes – but not the use of them.

The Indian prohibition will be imposed through an executive order and will include jail terms of up to three years for offenders. It comes at a time when vaping is facing increased scrutiny in other countries.

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