Panama Bans Sales of Vaping Products
Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo has signed legislation banning the sale of vaping products. The country had already banned e-cigarette sales by executive decree in 2014. The new law not only prohibits the sale and import of vaping products, but al
Panama's President Laurentino Cortizo has signed legislation banning the sale of vaping products. The country had already prohibited the sale of e-cigarettes through an executive order in 2014.
<\/a><\/span><\/div>
<\/a><\/span><\/div>
<\/div>
The new law not only bans the sale and import of e-cigarettes but also prohibits consumption in any smoke-free areas. The ban includes online purchases and authorizes customs officials to inspect and seize goods. Dealers are still allowed to import vaping products intended for export to third countries.<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>
Consumer advocates for e-cigarettes warn that restrictions on e-cigarette products will push consumers towards low-quality illegal products.<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>
Panama joins several other Latin American and Caribbean countries in banning e-cigarettes. On May 31, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador signed a decree prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes.<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>
Panama will host the first meeting of the parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2023.<\/span><\/div>