To strengthen the management of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products in Vietnam

To strengthen the management of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products in Vietnam (Internet image) 

Regarding this matter, LawNet would like to answer as follows:

On May 13, 2024, the Prime Minister issued Official Telegram 47/CD-TTg on strengthening the management of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

To strengthen the management of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products in Vietnam

Recently, electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products have emerged on the market, and the use of these products has become increasingly complex, with a rapid increase in the proportion of users, especially among young people, which has had a negative impact on user health.

To strengthen the control of and timely prevent the harmful effects of using electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, the Prime Minister has requested:

(1) The Ministry of Health to:

- Provide information, education and communication on the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products to organizations and individuals under its management;

- Research and propose issuance of management solutions for electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products within its authority or submit them to the competent authority for issuance.

(2) The Ministry of Finance to:

Direct the Customs force to strictly inspect and control the smuggling of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products through border gates and Customs-controlled areas, and establish specialized cases to combat smuggling of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

(3) The Ministry of National Defense to:

Direct the Border Guard to increase patrols and controls in border areas, trails and openings to timely detect and handle subjects involved in smuggling, storing and transporting illegally imported electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

(4) Ministry of Public Security:

Directs the public security at all levels to strengthen investigation, understand the situation, establish specialized cases, focus on fighting and completely eliminate individuals involved in smuggling, importing, mixing prohibited substances into e-cigarette liquids to prosecute them as prescribed by the law.

(5) Ministry of Industry and Trade to:

Directs market surveillance forces to strengthen domestic market management, regularly inspect and strictly handle organizations and individuals involved in the import, storage, and sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

(6) Ministry of Information and Communications, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency, and People's Committees of provinces and central-affiliated cities to direct media agencies to propagate the harms of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

(7) The National Steering Committee for Anti-Smuggling, Trade Fraud and Counterfeit Goods (National Steering Committee 389) to directly instruct the Steering Committee 389 of ministries, sectors, and localities to monitor, urge, and inspect the implementation of this Official Telegram of the Prime Minister.

(8) People's Committees of provinces and central-affiliated cities to direct authorities at all levels and competent forces in the localities to:

- Regularly inspect, handle violations, and strictly handle smuggling, transportation, storage, and sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products that are not allowed to be traded and used in the Vietnamese market;

- Strengthen information, education, and communication about the harms of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to the people.

(9) Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to direct the implementation of this issue; the Government Office shall monitor, urge, advise the Deputy Prime Minister to direct, inspect and handle arising issues.

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