Why is the e-cig banned in some countries?

The electronic cigarette is presented as an alternative to the cigarette, yet it remains a controversial one. Not every country treats the e-cigarette in the same way. Here is why.

The e-cigarette: a contested device

Since it came onto the market, the electronic cigarette has attracted a growing number of smokers. Some users say they have found in it a way of giving up the ordinary cigarette. The range of tastes, and the option of choosing an e-liquid with or without nicotine, are regularly put forward as major arguments.

The World Health Organization, however, along with other health bodies such as Santé publique France, expresses reservations in its reports about the potential toxicity of these e-liquids. The vapour released by the e cigarette contains no tobacco, no tar and no carbon monoxide, but it does contain particles suspected of being carcinogenic.

Some countries prefer to err on the side of caution

France is among the countries that have authorised the e-cigarette; others are opposed to it. In Brazil and India, for instance, simply selling these products is entirely unlawful, and India goes further still by banning vaping in many states.

Other countries ban the e-cigarette, among them the United States, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Mexico. In Europe, Austria, Finland, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Norway remain firmly opposed.

If you enjoy travelling to Thailand, be aware that appearing in public with an electronic cigarette is strictly forbidden. Cambodia is stricter still, banning even the import of e-cigarettes, as does Indonesia, which allows their use on prescription only.

A few countries tolerate the e-cigarette, but with restrictions. In China, Australia, Tasmania and Japan, nicotine e-liquids are banned. The same applies in some Malaysian states.

Where these rules are broken, customs officers may seize products brought in unlawfully. Fines range from 200 to 2,000 euros depending on the country. In some countries, such as Malaysia, vaping carries a penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment, and 10 years in Thailand.