Union Cabinet Clears Proposal To Prohibit E-Cigarettes

The Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced the prohibition of E-Cigarettes today. The ban will come into force with immediate effect as the Cabinet has given its approval for an Ordinance to that effect.

"The Cabinet has given its approval for a decision to ban E-Cigarettes...It means that production, manufacturing, import, export, transport, or sale, or even distribution, storage and advertisement relating to E-Cigarettes are all banned...

...the course that the Cabinet has advised us to take is to pass an Ordinance immediately, considering the seriousness of the impact of E-Cigarettes on the health of the people...", Sitharaman said.

E-Cigarettes, formally known as Electronic Nicotine Delivery systems (ENDS) have been under the government scanner for some time now. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had last year issued an advisory to curb sale, manufacture, distribution or advertisement of ENDS, to prevent their usage among the youth. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) had also issued a Circular asking all Customs Authorities to ensure compliance with Centre's advisory.

In March this year however, the Delhi High Court had stayed the operation of this circular, noting that it appeared that the products did not fall within the definition of a drug as defined under Section 3(b) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and that the health benefits of ENDS were yet to be medically established.

This year also, in February, the DGHS) had requested the state licensing authorities to ensure that trade and distribution of ENDS was done in compliance of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

According to the draft ordinance, the storage of E-cigarettes shall now be punishable with imprisonment up to six months or fine up to Rs. 50,000 or both.

"The decision to prohibit its use would protect population, particularly the youth and children from the risk of nicotine addiction through e-cigarettes", Sitharaman added. 

Image Source : Vaping360.com