Vaping to be banned in Islamabad under new rules

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services granted a green light to the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill, allowing its presentation in the House.

The suggested law is aimed at imposing extensive restrictions on the sale, promotion, and consumption of e-cigarettes in the capital city. The bill, which was presented by Senator Sarmad Ali, comes at a time when the authorities are increasingly worried about the prevalence of vaping among school and college students in Islamabad.

The legislators think that the unrestrained distribution of flavored nicotine products has made vaping a serious public health issue among the youth.

One of the most stringent provisions of the bill is the total prohibition of the sale of e-cigarettes within a radius of 50 meters from any school, college, or educational institution, thus preventing students from having easy access to them.

Furthermore, the law prohibits selling vaping products to individuals below the age of 18, thereby imposing a nationwide strict age limit. Lahore’s Vape Shops Are Set To Reopen As Court Temporarily Stops Action Against E-Cigarette Vaping.

The new law will classify the act of vaping with that of smoking. In case the bill gets passed, e-cigarette consumption will be prohibited in all public transport, government buildings, public parks, and places that are shared by the public.

The bill also imposes a total ban on the vaping industry’s advertising in all forms—like television commercials, social media promotions, and billboards—which are particularly aimed at or likely to attract minors; thus, it is a very significant setback for the vaping business sector.

To enforce control and to secure consumers, the bill lays down stringent quality and safety requirements. Among these are a maximum nicotine content of 40 mg/ml, child-resistant and tamper-proof packaging, as well as health warnings on each product. The online retailers of vaping products will be legally obliged to use strong age-verification measures.