Pakistan Plans To Tighten Regulation Of Vapes In Capital

Propose product standards, including a maximum nicotine concentration limit of 40 milligrams per milliliter, child proof and tamper proof packaging, and prominent health warnings, and require e-commerce platforms to implement age verification.

Quick overview of the key points of the new vape proposal in the Pakistani Senate

• Pakistan’s Senate National Health Service Standing Committee approves proposed Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulatory) Bill in the Senate.
• Islamabad; Sales, marketing, and usage; Import, distribution, and promotion are included in the regulatory framework.
• Prohibited for sale under the age of 18; Prohibited from sale within 50 meters of schools, colleges, and educational institutions; Completely ban electronic cigarette advertising (television, social media, billboards).
• Public transportation, government offices, parks, and other shared community spaces are planned to be prohibited.
• Nicotine concentration limit of 40 milligrams per milliliter; Child protection and tamper proof packaging; Each package of health warnings; E-commerce requires age verification.

According to Tribune, the National Health Service Standing Committee of the Pakistani Senate plans to submit the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill to the Senate after approval, aiming to implement strict control over the sale, marketing, and use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (vapes) in the capital city of Islamabad.
The bill was proposed by Senator Sarmad Ali against the backdrop of concerns over the use of vape products among schools and university students in Islamabad. The bill aims to establish a regulatory framework covering import, distribution, and promotion.

The stricter provisions in the bill include: a comprehensive ban on the sale of vapes within 50 meters of any school, college, or educational institution; And set age restrictions, stipulating that vape products cannot be sold to people under the age of 18.
The bill intends to treat vape products equally with traditional tobacco products.
If approved, the use of vapes will be prohibited in public transportation, government offices, parks, and other shared community spaces. The bill also proposes a comprehensive ban on vape advertising, covering television, social media, and billboards, and specifically targeting marketing methods that attract minors.
In terms of consumer safety and quality control, the bill intends to set mandatory standards for all vapes, including a nicotine concentration limit of 40 milligrams per milliliter, requiring child protection and tamper proof packaging, and prominently displaying health warnings on each packaging.
The bill proposes to require e-commerce platforms selling vapes to implement strict age verification systems before completing transactions.

In terms of punishment, those who violate age and location restrictions will be fined 50000 rupees immediately for the first violation; The bill proposes to impose higher fines and take legal action against repeat offenders and those involved in smuggling substandard e-liquids.
During the deliberation process, committee officials emphasized that although vapes are often marketed as safer alternatives to traditional tobacco, medical evidence suggests that they may pose serious long-term risks to the respiratory health of young users.
The bill is currently being reviewed by relevant departments to improve the enforcement mechanism, and will be formally submitted to the Senate later.

Reference: Ban on vape, e-cigarettes use for under-18s on the cards