A bill seeking to prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes, vapes, and e-hookahs to individuals under 18 years of age has been submitted to the Senate Secretariat.
The bill was tabled by Senator Sarmad Ali, aiming to regulate the sale, packaging, and advertisement of electronic nicotine products across Pakistan.
According to the draft law, electronic nicotine products refer to any battery-operated device that produces nicotine vapors intended for inhalation.
The proposed legislation mandates that all electronic nicotine products must be sold in tamper-proof packaging that is child-resistant and clearly labeled. Each packet must list its ingredients and display a warning stating that it is not suitable for persons under 18 years of age and that the contents are addictive in nature.
The bill further stipulates that such products cannot be sold unless they meet the standards of the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). It prohibits the import, manufacture, or sale of electronic nicotine products without fulfilling the required legal and quality conditions.
In addition, the bill seeks to ban all forms of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of electronic nicotine products. It specifically prohibits their advertisement on billboards, print media, or electronic media.
Retailers will also be barred from selling e-cigarettes or vapes within 50 meters of educational institutions.
Violations of these provisions will result in a fine of Rs 50,000, while repeat offenses will carry an increased penalty of Rs 100,000.
