Union Health ministry asks state to crack down on illegal e-cigarette sale

BENGALURU: The Union Health Ministry has directed the state government to crack down on the illegal sale of e-cigarettes in the state.

In September 2019, the Union Cabinet issued an ordinance banning Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). Three months later, the Health Ministry introduced the Act, which bans all forms of production, sale, distribution, and advertisement, but not personal use. Now, the government has discovered that it has been sold illegally and experts are demanding legal action against it as the youth are getting hooked to it.

Dr Vishal Rao, Senior Head and Neck Surgeon.

Many people were using e-cigarettes as a substitute for tobacco-based cigarettes, and the younger generation was falling victim to the new addiction. Though banned, e-cigarettes are being sold illegally in upmarket areas and online.

The Union Health Ministry has taken this issue seriously as it is having a profound effect on the young generation. To stop the illegal sale, the government has asked for raids to be conducted at places like pubs, bars, restaurants, malls and to check illegal online sales. In addition, the government has directed to create awareness about the same  in schools and colleges.

“The Union and state governments have banned the sale of e-cigarettes in the state. But it is illegally sold in many places. No one notices these things at home or in school as they can be hidden easily. The Union Health Ministry has directed the state to crack illegal sale of e-cigarrates. This is one of the reasons youth consume drugs”, said Dr Vishal Rao, Senior Head and Neck Surgeon.