Vietnam considers comprehensive ban on vaping and heated-tobacco products from May 2027

Draft expands prohibition across the supply chain

Vietnam is considering a comprehensive prohibition on electronic cigarettes, heated-tobacco products and other new tobacco products under proposed amendments to the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms. The National Assembly Standing Committee discussed the draft on September 21 during its sixth session, chaired by National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Thanh.

According to Nhân Dân and Kenh14, the proposal would prohibit production, commercial activity, storage, transport, export, import, transit, temporary import for re-export, transshipment, possession and use of the covered products. If approved, the amended law and its provisions governing electronic and heated tobacco would take effect on May 1, 2027.

The restrictions would extend beyond finished products. The draft also seeks to ban the manufacture, purchase, sale, export and import of electronic devices, component assemblies, individual components and liquids used to assemble or manufacture electronic cigarettes, heated-tobacco products and other tobacco products. This scope would directly affect manufacturers, distributors, logistics providers and traders handling both devices and consumable inputs.

Definitions and enforcement remain under review

Permanent Deputy Minister of Health Vũ Mạnh Hà said the amendment would revise the legal definition of tobacco and add definitions for electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco, electronic devices, specially prepared tobacco and other tobacco products. The government says these provisions are intended to place into law the products and addictive or harmful substances prohibited under National Assembly Resolution No. 173/2024/QH15.

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee for Culture and Society supported the need for clearer definitions but asked the drafting body to ensure they reflect a product’s nature, purpose, production method and manner of use. Lawmakers warned that definitions based too narrowly on product names or construction could fail to cover future products that perform a similar function in a different form.

Enforcement in digital and cross-border commerce is another central issue. Members called for workable mechanisms to identify and act against violating online accounts, verify buyers’ ages and coordinate cases involving cross-border transactions. The draft would also prohibit tobacco-product displays, although lawmakers requested a clearer distinction between display, advertising and information needed for a lawful sale.

Traditional tobacco rules also face scrutiny

The review extends to conventional tobacco. The committee examined labeling and health warnings, retail rules, prohibited conduct and measures designed to reduce access and demand. According to Pháp Luật Việt Nam, as reproduced by Báo Mới, one proposal would raise the minimum area occupied by health warnings on tobacco packaging to the 85% level recommended by the Ministry of Health.

Lawmakers also debated the rule barring tobacco sales within 100 metres of the nearest boundary of educational and healthcare facilities. The reviewing committee considered a fixed 100-metre zone difficult to enforce and proposed instead prohibiting sales in areas adjoining such facilities, with the government responsible for detailed monitoring measures. Another view favored retaining the existing distance rule.

The Standing Committee broadly agreed on the need for the amendments but requested further work on implementation, transitional provisions and compatibility with investment and other laws. Nguyễn Thị Thanh said the rules should progressively reduce both tobacco supply and demand, while giving priority to public health and limiting access for people under 18. For businesses, the remaining legislative process will determine how existing inventories, equipment, components and commercial operations must be handled before the proposed 2027 effective date.