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News: Lok Sabha has held discussions on Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Bill, 2019
Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Bill, 2019
- Aim: The Bill seeks to ban the production, trade, transport, storage and advertisement of electronic cigarettes.
- Definition of E-cigarettes: The Bill defines electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as electronic devices that heat a substance which may contain nicotine and other chemicals, to create vapour for inhalation.
- Other examples: Heat Not Burn Products, e-Hookah and e-cigars and other similar devices.
Key Provisions:
- After the ban comes into force, any production, manufacturing, import, export, transport, sale, distribution or advertisement of e-cigarettes will be a cognizable offence.
- The offence will be punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, or fine up to ₹1 lakh, or both for the first offence; and imprisonment of up to three years and fine up to ₹5 lakh for a subsequent offence.
- Those found storing e-cigarettes will be punished with imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to Rs 50,000 or both.
Significance of the ban:
- Will ensure effective and timely action against the trend of use of e-cigarettes especially among youth.
- Will complement government’s efforts for tobacco control
- Will help in reduction of tobacco use and reduction in associated economic and disease burden.
Additional Information:
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in its white paper on Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS), published on the eve of World No Tobacco Day (31st may), has said that ENDS adversely affects almost all the human body systems. It has recommended a complete ban on e-cigarettes and other ENDS.
- According to WHO’s Global Tobacco Epidemic 2017 report, nearly 30 countries have banned ENDS. Examples include Mauritius, Australia, Singapore, Sri Lanka etc
- In India, 16 states and 1 UT has had already banned manufacture, import and sale of ENDS.
- ENDS are not regulated under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003
