Bangladesh Bans Vaping Devices, Tightens Tobacco Law

Bangladesh’s interim government has issued an ordinance banning vaping devices and other emerging tobacco products, significantly strengthening the country’s tobacco control framework. The Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, issued on December 31, 2025, expands the definition of tobacco to include vaping devices, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, bringing them under the same legal framework. Smoking and the use of all tobacco products are now prohibited in all public places and on public transport, with fines of up to 2,000 taka (about US$16.40).

 

The ordinance makes the production, import, export, storage, sale, and use of vaping devices and similar products criminal offenses, punishable by up to six months in prison, a fine of up to 500,000 taka (about US$4,100), or both. The ordinance also imposes a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship across all media, prohibits the display of tobacco products at points of sale, and bans tobacco sales within 100 meters of schools, hospitals, and playgrounds. Packaging rules have also been tightened, requiring health warnings to cover at least 75% of the pack. At the same time, enforcement powers have been strengthened, allowing license revocations, product seizures, and criminal prosecutions.

 

Bangladesh HTP pouches