E-cigarettes around the world

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments to treat e-cigarettes similarly to tobacco and ban all flavours. That could spell trouble for some big tobacco companies, which have staked their futures on a shift to cigarette alternatives. British American Tobacco, for example, wants 50 per cent of its revenues to come from “non-combustible” products by 2035.

Vapes were banned in 34 countries as of July of this year, according to the WHO, including Brazil, India, Iran and Thailand. But many countries struggle to enforce e-cigarette rules, meaning they are often available on the black market. 74 countries, mostly in Africa but including Pakistan, Colombia and Mongolia, did not regulate e-cigarettes at all as of July, according to the WHO. In other nations, including key markets like the US and China, governments allow vapes but regulate their use.

Here’s how they measure up:

AUSTRALIA

Australians need a prescription to use nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, but the country has struggled with a flood of illegal disposable vapes.

From Jan. 1, 2024, it will be illegal to import disposables into Australia. From March, it will also be illegal to import any type of “non-therapeutic” vape, the government says.

It also wants to introduce a bill next year to outlaw domestic manufacturing or supply of non-therapeutic e-cigarettes.

CHINA

The world’s largest producer of e-cigarettes introduced a raft of laws controlling their use domestically in 2021, including banning the flavoured products many Chinese manufacturers continue to send overseas. The government cited health concerns related to youth vaping.

E-cigarette companies require a license to sell to consumers and taxes on production, import and wholesale distribution were introduced in 2022.

EU AND MEMBERS

The European Commission has set regulatory standards for e-cigarettes, including limits on nicotine content and labels explaining they should not be used by non-smokers.

National governments also introduce laws governing their use. In France, for example, people under the age of 18 cannot buy vapes and their use is banned in certain public places, including universities and on public transport. Italy lifted a ban on using electronic cigarettes in public in 2013. Use in or near schools is still forbidden.

Disposable vapes have also attracted particular attention from lawmakers in some EU countries amid environmental and health concerns. France has moved to ban them entirely.

The German Federal Council, the upper house of parliament, has called on the government to push for a similar ban on disposable vapes across the EU.

JAPAN

E-cigarettes containing nicotine count as medicinal products under Japanese law. None have yet been approved for use.

RUSSIA

Minors cannot buy e-cigarettes. There are no restrictions on flavours or disposable vapes.

Local media reported in November on the government quashing a proposed ban on e-cigarettes. The Russian Ministry of Health said this would lead to loss of tax revenue and fuel a black market, Izvestia reported.

TURKEY

The sale of e-cigarettes is effectively banned since imports are allowed only in small quantities and production is forbidden. E-cigarettes are nevertheless widely available.

UK

The UK has put vapes at the centre of its public health policy, even offering starter kits to smokers to help them quit.

However, an influx of flavoured, disposable vapes has also driven concerns around the environment, health and youth vaping. The government launched a consultation in October on proposals aimed at tackling a rise in youth vaping, including restrictions on flavours and the sale of disposable vapes, following a threefold rise in the number of children vaping in the past three years.

US

E-cigarette manufacturers in the world’s largest market for nicotine alternatives must apply to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to sell their products legally. Some have been allowed on the market while they wait for the agency to review their applications.

The FDA weighs several factors when considering an application, including the potential benefits for helping smokers quit. It has yet to approve a vape flavour other than tobacco.

However, poor enforcement means that flavoured, often disposable products remain widely available.