E-cigarettes are devices that produce an inhalable aerosol by heating a liquid, usually containing nicotine, flavoring agents and other chemicals. The popularity and controversy of e-cigarettes has attracted much attention and discussion worldwide, and attitudes and policies towards e-cigarettes vary from country to country and region to region.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 108 countries or regions around the world currently regulate e-cigarettes in some form, with 35 countries or regions banning the sale or use of e-cigarettes altogether, and 73 countries or regions restricting or regulating e-cigarettes with respect to their ingredients, labeling, packaging, advertisements, promotions, sponsorships, and taxation. There are also 32 countries or territories that do not regulate e-cigarettes at all.

Some countries or regions hold a more lenient or supportive attitude towards e-cigarettes, believing that e-cigarettes are less harmful compared with traditional cigarettes and can be used as an aid to smoking cessation or as a harm reduction option. For example, countries such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada allow the sale and use of e-cigarettes in specialized stores and encourage smokers to switch to e-cigarettes. These countries also regulate e-cigarettes to a certain extent, such as limiting the nicotine content, prohibiting sales to minors, and standardizing labeling and packaging.

Other countries or regions have a stricter or opposing attitude towards e-cigarettes, arguing that they are still harmful to health, may induce minors to smoke, and that there is insufficient evidence that they are effective in helping to quit smoking. For example, countries such as Australia, Singapore and Thailand have banned the sale and use of e-cigarettes and imposed fines or imprisonment on violators. These countries have also tightly regulated e-cigarettes, such as banning imports, investigating smuggling, and confiscating products.

In summary, attitudes and policies towards e-cigarettes vary considerably around the world, reflecting the influence of different cultural, legal, economic and public health factors. As e-cigarette technology develops and the market changes, countries may also adjust their policies according to their own circumstances. As an e-cigarette company, we should respect the laws and regulations of each country, as well as pay attention to the latest scientific research and industry trends, in order to provide consumers with safe, high-quality and compliant products!

References:

[1] WHO. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS).

https://www.who.int/tobacco/surveillance/survey/gats/en/

[2] Public Health England. Electronic cigarettes: an evidence update.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/733022/Ecigarettes_an_evidence_update_A_report_commissioned_by_Public_Health_England_FINAL.pdf

[3] Ministry of Health, New Zealand. Electronic Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products.

https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health-wellness/tobacco-control/e-cigarettes-and-vaping

[4] Health Canada. Electronic Cigarettes and Smoking.

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping.html

[5] Australian Department of Health. Electronic Cigarettes.

https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/smoking-and-tobacco/electronic-cigarettes

[6] Health Sciences Authority of Singapore. Electronic Cigarettes.

https://www.hsa.gov.sg/tobacco-control/e-cigarettes

[7] Thailand Customs Department. Import and Sale of Electronic Cigarettes.

https://www.customs.go.th/cont_strc_simple.php?lang=en&left_menu=menu_smuggling_prevention&current_id=0&content_id=0&cate_id=0&subcate_id=0