Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed a temporary suspension of the decree on managing new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. This recommendation, accepted by the Prime Minister, comes amid rising concerns about the health impacts of these products, especially on the youth. The issue was highlighted during the 7th session of the Vietnam National Assembly, where various representatives questioned the management and regulation of these new tobacco products.
Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Stand on New Tobacco Products
The tobacco business in Vietnam is categorized as a conditional business sector, regulated under the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm and Decree No. 67. These regulations, however, do not currently encompass new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, leading to a legal gap that complicates national management efforts.
To address this gap, the Ministry has not approved any enterprises to operate or register websites for new tobacco products. Additionally, market management departments in Hà Nam, Bắc Ninh, and Hanoi have been instructed to crack down on severe violations related to these products. The Ministry aims to coordinate with other relevant ministries to propose stringent management policies and establish clear mechanisms for regulating e-cigarettes, thus providing a solid legal framework for enforcement agencies.
The Role of Local Governments and Functional Agencies
The Ministry has emphasized the need for local party committees and governments to allocate appropriate resources for effectively implementing the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm. This includes provisions related to e-cigarettes. Market management departments are directed to work closely with local functional agencies to intensify inspections and strictly handle violations. Collaboration with the 389 Steering Committee, customs, border guards, and local governments is also essential for managing the influx of smuggled e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
Health Concerns and Public Awareness
E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, though not officially recognized in Vietnam, are widely available in the market, posing significant health risks, especially to the youth. Most of these products are smuggled and of unknown origin. The Ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Ministry of Information and Communications to raise public awareness about the dangers of e-cigarettes and emphasize the responsibilities of local governments in managing these products.
Challenges in Combating Tobacco Product Violations
One of the primary challenges in managing both traditional and new tobacco products is smuggling. Effective preventive measures at the border are crucial, as managing these products becomes increasingly difficult once they enter the domestic market. The Ministry is focused on intensifying efforts to curb smuggling and ensure that violators are dealt with strictly.
Addressing the Legal Gap and Future Policies
Representative Nguyễn Anh Trí raised concerns about the effectiveness of new anti smuggling measures and questioned the Ministry’s stance on piloting the import of new tobacco products. In response, Minister Nguyễn Hồng Diên reiterated the Ministry’s recommendation to suspend the decree on managing new tobacco products until a comprehensive health assessment is conducted by the Ministry of Health. This cautious approach aligns with the overarching goal of protecting public health.
FAQ
What is the new tobacco management decree?
The new tobacco management decree is a regulation intended to govern the production, distribution, and sale of new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. This decree is currently being reviewed and has been recommended for temporary suspension.
Why has the Ministry of Industry and Trade recommended suspending the decree?
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has recommended suspending the decree to allow the Ministry of Health to conduct a thorough assessment of the potential health risks associated with new tobacco products. This suspension ensures that any regulatory framework developed will be based on comprehensive health data.
What are the main health concerns related to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products?
E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are widely believed to pose significant health risks, particularly to young people. Concerns include the potential for addiction, respiratory issues, and other long-term health effects that are not yet fully understood.
Are e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products legally recognized in Vietnam?
No, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products have not been officially recognized in Vietnam. Despite this, they are widely available on the market, often smuggled and of unknown origin.
What measures are being taken to control the sale of smuggled e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products?
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has directed market management departments to intensify inspections and crack down on violations. They are working in collaboration with local functional agencies, the 389 Steering Committee, customs, and border guards to prevent smuggling and ensure that violators are strictly handled.
What future actions are planned to manage e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products?
The Ministry plans to coordinate with other relevant ministries to propose strict management policies and establish clear regulatory mechanisms for e-cigarettes. This includes enhancing public awareness about the dangers of these products and ensuring that local governments allocate resources to implement the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm effectively.
