Global Overview of Changes in Vaping Regulation Policies

The fluctuations in the e-cigarette market are closely linked to regulatory policies. Let's take a look at the changes in e-cigarette regulations around the world.

United States

The adjustments to e-cigarette regulations in the United States have been reported by numerous media outlets, and many of you may have seen them. Overall, the regulatory policies in various states primarily target flavored e-cigarettes, while tobacco-flavored vaping devices remain unaffected. Additionally, they have raised the legal purchasing age for e-cigarettes from 18 to 21.

United Kingdom

The UK has always maintained a supportive stance towards e-cigarettes and plans to transition all traditional smokers to e-cigarettes by 2030. Recently, two of the largest medical institutions in the northern region of Birmingham have opened sales points for e-cigarettes.

China

The regulatory standards for e-cigarettes in China began to be formulated in October 2017, but they have not yet been officially released.

New Zealand

Jenny Salesa, the Deputy Minister of Health in New Zealand, stated that the sale of e-cigarette flavors will be restricted, allowing only three flavors: tobacco, menthol, and mint.

Southeast Asia

Malaysia: The Deputy Minister of Health, Lee Wen Chai, recently announced plans to draft a new tobacco law that will regulate e-cigarettes under a separate decree.

Indonesia and the Philippines have not made any adjustments to their e-cigarette regulatory policies.

Middle East

The UAE's Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) announced on February 16, 2019, that it would lift the sales ban on e-cigarettes, allowing the sale of e-cigarettes, e-pipes, and electronic shisha devices, while regulating their import, manufacture, sale, and packaging. This will also cover PMI's heated tobacco device IQOS and other non-combustible tobacco products.