China Tobacco Authority: Crack Down on Irregular E-Cigarette Practices

On July 13, according to the official website of the National Tobacco Monopoly Administration, a video conference was held to deploy a special inspection action for the e-cigarette market, outlining the requirements for the action.

The meeting pointed out that the special inspection action for the e-cigarette market is another important measure jointly promoted by the National Tobacco Monopoly Administration and the State Administration for Market Regulation, following the announcements on prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes to minors and further protecting minors from the harm of e-cigarettes. This demonstrates the firm attitude and determination of both departments to continue to legally combat illegal and irregular practices in the sale of e-cigarettes and to protect the rights of minors.

The special inspection action for the e-cigarette market began on July 10 and will last for two months. Tobacco monopoly bureaus at all levels are required to actively collaborate with local market regulation departments, effectively strengthen organizational leadership, analysis, and coordination, striving to thoroughly rectify the chaos in the e-cigarette market and achieve the expected goals of e-cigarette regulation. They must pay close attention to the policy nature and complexity of practical issues in the special inspection action, strictly adhere to laws and regulations, and ensure effective results.

The meeting set forth clear requirements for the in-depth implementation of the special inspection action for the e-cigarette market: First, proactive engagement and joint research on implementation measures. Provincial bureaus should actively engage with market regulation departments to deepen cooperation, establish a joint action task force for special inspections, and refine inspection plans and regulatory measures according to key inspection tasks, ensuring detailed execution of inspection tasks and continuously strengthening the pressure of regulation.

Second, close cooperation to focus on solving prominent issues. Provincial bureaus should closely cooperate with market regulation departments, clarify divisions of labor, and complement each other's strengths, actively seeking support from relevant law enforcement departments to form effective law enforcement practices regarding prominent issues such as disguised online sales, false advertising, social media dissemination, vending machines, and age verification in physical stores.

Third, create an atmosphere and actively and steadily promote the action. Encourage the public to report complaints through the 12313 and 12315 platforms to expand the sources of clues; widely post announcements on further protecting minors from the harm of e-cigarettes and warning slogans against selling e-cigarettes to minors, reinforcing the primary responsibility of physical e-cigarette stores; increase publicity and reporting of action results and typical cases to create a favorable public opinion atmosphere for protecting minors from the harm of e-cigarettes.

Fourth, summarize experiences and build a long-term mechanism for joint management. Provincial bureaus should actively seek strong support and cooperation from local governments and relevant law enforcement departments, carefully summarize experiences and practices, continuously apply regulatory pressure, and increase control efforts, firmly addressing any emerging irregularities in e-cigarettes to prevent recurrence.