India’s puff-free stand: Health Ministry enforces nationwide ban on e-cigarettes

The Union Health Ministry has issued a clarification regarding the possession of e-cigarettes and similar devices in India. According to the ministry, possession of these devices in any form, quantity, or manner is in violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act (PECA) 2019. This clarification was recently sent to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the health ministry is committed to strengthening the enforcement of this ban.

PECA 2019 Overview:

PECA 2019 is a law designed to safeguard public health by prohibiting various aspects related to e-cigarettes. While the act doesn’t explicitly mention the prohibition of individual use of , it encompasses a wide range of activities. These include the production, manufacturing, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of e-cigarettes.

No Legal Possession in Any Quantity:

Dr. Pulkesh Kumar, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasized that possessing e-cigarettes within the country, regardless of the quantity, is not possible without violating the provisions of PECA 2019. This means that having e-cigarettes, no matter how few, is against the law.

Devices Included in the Ban:

The ban isn’t limited to traditional e-cigarettes. It extends to all forms of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Heat Not Burn Products, e-Hookah, and similar devices. The government is concerned about the potential health risks associated with these products.

Protecting Public Health:

The law was enacted to protect the health of the people. E-cigarettes and similar devices have raised concerns due to their potential harm, and the government is taking measures to mitigate these risks.

Widespread Availability Despite Ban:

Despite the stringent penalties and imprisonment associated with the ban, e-cigarettes continue to be widely available. They can be found in tobacco vendors, general stores, and even online. This poses a challenge to the enforcement of the law.

Online Reporting Portal:

To address this issue, the health ministry has launched an online portal where individuals can report violations of PECA 2019. This portal will enable the ministry to take necessary action against violators. You can report violations at “http://www.violation-reporting.in.”

Concerns About Youth Usage:

One of the government’s primary concerns is the increasing use of e-cigarettes among youth. The popularity of these devices among young people has raised alarms, as it may lead to long-term health problems.

Government’s Efforts for e-cigarettes :

To curb the usage and availability of e-cigarettes, the government has taken several steps. In May, the ministry issued a public notice to ensure the effective implementation of the Act. Subsequently, in July, notices were sent to 15 websites selling e-cigarettes, instructing them to stop advertising and selling such products.

State and Union Territory Involvement:

Earlier in February, the ministry wrote to all states and Union territories, urging them to ensure strict compliance with the government’s ban on e-cigarettes. They highlighted the sale of these products at stationary stores near educational institutions, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act (PECA) 2019 is in place to protect public health by banning various aspects of e-cigarette use and distribution. The possession of e-cigarettes in any form, quantity, or manner is against the law, and the government is taking steps to enforce this ban and address concerns about youth usage. If you come across any violations, you can report them through the online portal provided by the health ministry.

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