Strengthen inspection and strictly handle advertising and trading of new tobacco products.

E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are creeping into people’s lives, especially among young people, posing a serious threat to public health. Faced with the widespread sale of these products, the Government has requested strict management and strict handling of illegal advertising and trading.

New tobacco products (e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products) are promoted by the tobacco industry as “safer solutions” compared to cigarettes. Medical studies confirm that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products contain many toxic substances such as nicotine, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, heavy metals... which can cause damage to the heart and lungs, and even lead to cancer. Nicotine is especially dangerous to the adolescent brain, is addictive, and has long-term effects on behavior.

Currently, there are no licensed electronic cigarette or heated tobacco products in Vietnam, but on social networks and e-commerce platforms, a series of stalls still openly advertise for sale with invitations such as "help quit smoking", "safe for the lungs". With eye-catching packaging, sweet flavors such as strawberry, grape, mint... make it easy for young people to be attracted. Many students have become regular customers. Smuggling lines take advantage of the border to smuggle goods into the country, while many small retail stores secretly sell them as accessories.

The Ministry of Health affirms that all acts of trading and advertising these products violate the law. However, inspection and handling are difficult because the products are compact, easy to hide, and transactions are mainly online.

Faced with the complicated situation, on November 30, 2024, the National Assembly issued Resolution No. 173/2024/QH15, strictly prohibiting the production, trading, import, storage, transportation and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. This is an important decision, demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting public health. On August 5, 2025, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1665/QD-TTg, implementing Resolution 173 with many drastic solutions. In particular, focusing on strengthening inspection and strict handling of advertising and trading activities on e-commerce platforms and social networks. Inter-sectoral coordination between the police, industry and trade, information and communication, and health to block smuggling lines and remove illegal advertisements. Strengthen border control and border patrol. Promote communication in schools, raise legal awareness and warn of harmful effects to students...

The ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products is not only an administrative measure but also an important public health policy, in line with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). If not prevented in time, the burden of disease from tobacco will increase, leading to medical costs and affecting social development. Strict handling of violations will contribute to creating a clean environment, protecting the younger generation from the lure of toxic products. This is a task that requires the synchronous participation of authorities, schools, families and the whole society.

E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are not “safe” products, but a new threat to public health. With Resolution 173 and Decision 1665, Vietnam is demonstrating its determination to thoroughly control them. When the whole society joins hands, we can stop the new wave of tobacco, protect the future of the young generation and build a healthy community.

Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/tang-cuong-kiem-tra-xu-ly-nghiem-hanh-vi-quang-cao-buon-ban-san-pham-thuoc-la-moi-288279