Vaping trends in Asia are rapidly evolving, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural, regulatory, and economic landscapes. While some countries have embraced e-cigarettes as harm reduction tools, others keep enforcing stringent restrictions to curb youth access and usage in general.
Emerging markets are indicating a growing preference for disposable vapes and unique flavours, driven by urbanization and shifting consumer preferences. Yet most governments are failing or refusing to find the right balance between safeguarding adult consumers’ needs, while preventing access to minors.
The Maldives has recently introduced a sweeping ban on vaping. Effective December 15th, the ban prohibits the use, possession, import, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes and related products, making it one of the most stringent anti-vaping measures to date. While the import ban began on November 15th, with steep fines ranging from $325 for personal use to $3,240 for importing vapes. Selling vapes could incur fines of $1,300, with an additional $650 per device sold.
Public Health Motivations and Divided Opinions
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu emphasized that the move responds to widespread public concern over youth vaping and its associated risks. Many local health groups have spoken in support of the measure, with the Maldives NCD Alliance going as far as claiming that tobacco products, including vapes, have been contributing to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for 84% of deaths in the Maldives.
Others have criticized the ban, advocating for regulation instead of outright criminalization, arguing that vapes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes and assist in smoking cessation.
Similarly, in a decisive move to safeguard public health, the government of Bangladesh has banned the import of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). Once again, the measure reflects growing concern over the increasing use of the products and their alleged health risks. Officials emphasized that the ban aims to reduce the availability of e-cigarettes among young people, and mitigate their adverse impact on public health.
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has recently issued new regulations prohibiting the sale of cigarettes, vape products, and heated tobacco below a specified minimum price, known as the “floor price.” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. warned that selling these products below the floor price will be considered a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and fines, with both online and physical retailers being monitored. Violators face fines of 10 times the amount of unpaid taxes, ranging from PHP 200,000 to PHP 500,000, and imprisonment of four to six years.
Moreover, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has recently suspended online sales of vaping products due to concerns over youth access and tax evasion. The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) has expressed strong support for efforts to regulate vaping and prevent access to teens, however it argues, instead of halting online sales, the focus should be on better enforcing existing laws to prevent youth access and ensure proper tax compliance.
International economist, Dr. Arthur Laffer, a former member of President Ronald Reagan’s Economic Policy Advisory Board and founder of Laffer Associates, has urged the Philippine government to reconsider its tobacco excise tax policy, suggesting that the current tax rate may be contributing to increased illicit trade and a decline in revenue collection.
A glimmer of hope from Thailand
Meanwhile, the Thai Special Committee has conducted a transparent and inclusive review of e-cigarette laws. CAPHRA has commended the process, viewing it as a critical step toward integrating harm reduction strategies into public health policies. The group highlighted that “engaging all stakeholders in this process is essential for crafting effective harm reduction policies.”
Similarly, experts at a recent event in Tokyo highlighted the potential for Japan to save millions of lives by adopting tobacco harm reduction strategies like those proven effective in countries which have siccessfully reduced smoking rates, such as Sweden. Experts underscored Japan’s existing success in reducing smoking by over 50% since introducing heated tobacco products in 2015, noting that similar approaches could further enhance health outcomes.
Quit Like Sweden founding director Suely Castro emphasized that Japan could replicate Sweden’s results by ensuring that accessible, affordable, and socially acceptable alternatives are available to those wishing to quit smoking. The Institute for New Era Strategy (INES), Japan’s policy think tank, supports these harm reduction discussions, seeking to influence policies that address Japan’s most pressing social and economic issues.
Challenges in achieving the right balance
In conclusion, Asia’s vaping landscape indicates challenges in balancing innovation, consumer needs and regulation. While governments claim to manage the demand for innovative nicotine products alongside combating illicit trade and health risks, the reality often falls short. Overregulation has been fuelling black markets and undermining public health goals, while insufficient enforcement leaves youth vulnerable. Effective policies require a nuanced approach that integrates harm reduction, robust enforcement, and consumer education. Without these, most nations in the region risk failing to achieve their stated objectives.
