The Vietnamese government has implemented a ban on the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, effective from January 1.

Individuals caught using e-cigarettes within Viet Nam will face an administrative fine of two million dong (US$78.50).

Meanwhile, those involved in importing, trading, transporting, or producing e-cigarettes and their components may face administrative penalties of up to three billion dong or imprisonment for up to 15 years, depending on the severity of the violation.

This ban also means that travelers entering Viet Nam with vapes will now face heavy fines due to the new regulations prohibiting the possession, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and their liquids.

Viet Nam’s Tobacco Health Crisis

Tobacco has long been one of the leading causes of non-communicable diseases such as lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and other serious illnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco causes more than 8 million deaths worldwide each year.

In Viet Nam, nearly 40% of adults are tobacco users, with the prevalence continuing to rise, particularly among the younger generation. According to a report from Viet Nam News, nearly 700 healthcare facilities across Vietnam recorded 1,224 hospital admissions related to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products throughout 2023.

Dr. Nguyễn Trung Nguyên, Director of the Anti-Toxin Department at Bạch Mai Hospital, stated that the frequency of e-cigarette poisoning cases has been steadily increasing, with nearly 100 cases reported in the first half of 2024 alone. Further testing on patient samples revealed the presence of synthetic drugs in many e-cigarette products, contributing to multi-organ failure, brain damage, and even death.

Vape Bans Expand Worldwide

As of now, 43 countries have implemented bans on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, while 39 countries have imposed strict restrictions on the sale, advertising, use, and distribution of these products. In ASEAN, six countries, including five that introduced similar bans between 2014 and 2016, have adopted similar measures.

Other countries, such as Australia, Turkey, Singapore, Mexico, India, Brazil, the Maldives, and Thailand, also prohibit travelers from bringing vapes, primarily due to health concerns related to permanent lung damage.

Vapers are advised to check the regulations in their destination countries before traveling to avoid potential issues during their trip.