In recent years, vaping has been gaining in popularity around the world as both a means of enjoying a tobacco-free cigarette as well as a gateway towards quitting the powerful addiction of nicotine. An electronic cigarette, commonly called an e-cigarette, is the most common form of vaping.
Laws vary around the world pertaining to vaping in general. Some laws apply to entire countries, while in some areas of the world like the United States, vaping regulations vary by state or province. Let’s look at how some countries are handling rules, regulations, and laws concerning this growing trend:
Australia
Australia is a country where laws vary state to state, making it a little difficult to both monitor and understand. The country hasn’t established any specific laws governing the use of vaping products yet, but it does have laws limiting the use of nicotine.
United Kingdom
Vaping in public places is prohibited in the United Kingdom. Violations can result in both fines and confiscation. There are also other laws pertaining to vaping in the UK that make it difficult for users to purchase vaporizers and other e-cigarette products.
China
While China permits both the use and purchase of vaping products, some of its individual cities are imposing strict regulations concerning the sale and use of all tobacco and nicotine related products. For instance, Hong Kong classifies e-cigarettes, which contain a small amount of nicotine, as a Type 1 poison, making them illegal.
Thailand
Thailand is one of the strictest countries in the world with its laws pertaining to vaping. Both the possession and use of e-cigarettes are illegal. Not only can you be fined for violating the law, but you can also be imprisoned for up to 10 years.
Brazil
All vaping products are also banned in Brazil. Since 2014, they have imposed strict laws prohibiting both the sale and use of e-cigarettes. Offenders will have their vape products confiscated and be subject to fines for violating the law.
India
Both the sale and use of e-cigarettes are allowed in India. It is classified as a nicotine product and cannot be used in any enclosed public places. Any sale to minors is also prohibited.
Russia
While vaping is allowed in Russia, it is classified as a nicotine product and subject to the same laws. It’s not allowed in any public places and the sale of e-liquids to minors is strictly prohibited.
United States
Vaping laws in the United States vary widely throughout not only the different states, but also within the different towns, cities, and counties within those states. The US Food and Drug Administration classifies them as any other tobacco product, prohibiting their sale to minors. Most states have laws in place restricting the use of tobacco products in public places. However, some states have no laws governing the use of either tobacco or vaping products anywhere.
European Union
Vaping laws throughout Europe are lenient as a whole. But, the laws can vary from country to country. If traveling through Europe, it’s best to check for any local restrictions before vaping or attempting to transport any e-liquids.
It seems that more and more areas around the world are putting bans in place concerning the use of vaping products. Most countries are classifying them in the same category as any other nicotine or tobacco product. It’s always in your best interests to verify the current laws for vaping if you are traveling.
