In a surprising move, Vietnam has passed a sweeping ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, set to take effect in 2025. While the government touts this decision as a way to protect public health, experts are sounding the alarm, warning that the ban may do more harm than good.
Asa Saligupta, director of the Thailand Tobacco Control Organization (ECST), didn’t hold back in his criticism, calling the ban a “dangerous step” that goes against the global trend of regulating e-cigarettes and other harm-reduction products.
“Banning e-cigarettes will only push users into the black market, where products lack oversight and safety standards,” Saligupta explained. “Even worse, it might drive people back to smoking—still the most harmful way to consume nicotine due to the toxic chemicals released during combustion.”
A Missed Opportunity?
Saligupta and other public health experts argue that Vietnam should follow in the footsteps of countries like the Philippines, which regulate e-cigarettes rather than banning them outright. By setting clear rules, they say, Vietnam could offer smokers safer alternatives to combustible cigarettes while keeping such products out of the hands of minors.
In contrast, Vietnam’s new law prohibits the production, sale, import, and even possession of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and other new tobacco innovations. Passed in December 2024, the ban has sparked heated debates among health advocates, consumers, and industry players alike.
What the Evidence Says
Globally, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches have been credited with reducing smoking rates in countries like the U.K., Japan, and Sweden—nations with some of the steepest declines in smoking. Studies consistently show that these products are significantly less harmful than traditional cigarettes because they don’t involve combustion, which is the primary source of harmful toxins.
Dr. Lorenzo Mata, head of a tobacco cessation organization, emphasized that smoke-free products are a lifeline for smokers who can’t quit. “The major health risks from smoking come from the toxins produced during combustion, not from nicotine itself,” he said.
Voices from Around the World
The debate over Vietnam’s ban isn’t confined to Southeast Asia. Experts and consumer advocates from across the globe are weighing in, warning that this approach could have unintended consequences:
- Anton Israel, president of the Philippine Nicotine Consumers Alliance, argues that banning e-cigarettes won’t stop people from using nicotine. “Smokers will turn to the black market, depriving governments of tax revenue and limiting access to safer options,” he said.
- David Sweanor, a Canadian public health law expert, went further, calling the ban “a violation of public health principles.” While he acknowledged that bans are easier to implement than regulations, he emphasized that they don’t serve public health interests.
The Bigger Picture
At its core, this debate highlights a broader issue: how should governments approach harm reduction? Advocates for regulation believe that smoke-free products like e-cigarettes are a crucial tool in reducing smoking-related deaths. They argue that a balanced approach—one that sets clear rules while keeping safer alternatives accessible—is far more effective than outright bans.
On the other hand, critics of harm-reduction products worry about youth access and the potential for addiction. However, most experts agree that strict regulations, including age restrictions and product safety standards, are the best way to address these concerns.
Where Does Vietnam Go from Here?
Vietnam’s decision to ban e-cigarettes and similar products could have far-reaching consequences, not just for its own population but for the broader harm-reduction movement in Southeast Asia. By shutting down access to safer nicotine alternatives, the country risks pushing users toward unregulated markets or back to traditional smoking.
As the 2025 ban approaches, all eyes will be on Vietnam to see how this bold move plays out. Will it set a precedent for other countries, or will the negative consequences force a policy rethink?
Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the global conversation about harm reduction and tobacco regulation is far from over.
