After a very long time, many functional agencies, led by the Ministry of Health, resolutely defended the viewpoint. On November 30, 2024, the National Assembly passed Resolution 173/2024/QH15, officially banning the production, trading, import and use of e-cigarettes from 2025.
Next, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1665/QD-TTg promulgating the Plan to implement Resolution No. 173 of the National Assembly.
The Resolution of the National Assembly and the Decision of the Government are very important milestones, bringing great hope to the work of protecting public health and water hyacinth breeds.
However, in reality, up to this point, the ban on the production, trading, import and use of e-cigarettes has not really come into life, similar to the ban on smoking in public places.
The evidence is the series of articles "E-cigarette Underground Market" that have just been published in Lao Dong showing: The e-cigarette market is still vibrant and sophisticated. Banned products are still traded on social networks, hidden in small stores, despite legal regulations.
Another paradox is that although the National Assembly has issued a Resolution banning the production, trading, import and use of e-cigarettes from 2025, in the draft Law on Investment (amended) being submitted to the National Assembly for consideration, it is "leaving open" the ban on trading of this commodity.
National Assembly delegate Truong Trong Nghia (HCMC delegation) at the group meeting on the afternoon of November 11 suggested reviewing whether or not there are any lobby activities to legalize the business of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products?
If it is a banned profession, it must be included in the law!
It is necessary to add to Article 6 of the draft law - the part regulating industries and occupations that prohibit investment and business - for investment in the business of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
This is also a common viewpoint, very reasonable of many National Assembly deputies at the group meeting on the afternoon of November 11. Otherwise, as delegate Le Hoang Anh (Gia Lai Delegation) said, it would be "a step backward in policy".
In reality, one of the reasons why Resolution 173/2024/QH15 has not really come into life is because buying and selling e-cigarettes on social networks is still as easy as buying candy. The reason comes from the laxity in management and supervision of functional agencies from the central to local levels.
To promote effective regulations, it is necessary to first have the stronger participation of functional forces such as the police, market management, customs, etc. in implementation. At the same time, it is necessary to promote propaganda and education so that people clearly understand the terrible harmful effects of e-cigarettes on health and the breed of goose.
But more importantly, there needs to be unity, no conflicts in the legal system - starting from the draft Law on Investment (amended).
