Govt bans production, import of e-cigarettes

New Delhi: In a significant decision aimed at combating tobacco addiction, the government on Wednesday completely banned electronic cigarettes and other vaping products such as e-hookahs citing the findings of the reports that e-cigarettes are increasing the risk of children taking up smoking.

While announcing the decision, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "The government has banned production, manufacturing, import, export, sale, distribution and advertisement of e-cigarettes in India. The decision was taken in light of the impact e-cigarettes are having on youth."

The punishment proposed is imprisonment up to one year or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both for the first offence and imprisonment of three years or a fine up to Rs 5 lakh or both, for a subsequent offence.

"The data derived from several US-based organisations suggested smoking e-cigarettes had become a trend among youngsters," the Finance Minister said.

Surprisingly, none of the e-cigarettes is being manufactured in India. The intake of nicotine through electronic gadgets are becoming common in the country as its being imported from countries like America and China, etc.

"The use of e-cigarettes had caused a lot of damage across the world. The government proposes to take the issue of banning e-cigarettes in India in the next session of Parliament, where it will be passed through an ordinance," the Finance Minister said.

Physicians around the country have welcomed the step while e-cigarette traders expressed shock and anger over the decision.

Industry body TRENDS which represents importers, distributors and marketers of ENDS, or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems in India, termed the decision to ban e-cigarettes "ironic and erratic".