In India, the future of e-cigarettes looks increasingly bleak and uncertain. A few days ago the Indian Federal Ministry of Health called for an end to the sale or import of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices like the one Philip Morris International Inc. plans to launch in the country.
A "GREAT RISK FOR HEALTH" ACCORDING TO THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
A few days ago, the Indian Federal Ministry of Health called for an end to the sale or import of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices.
India has strict laws to deter smoking, which the government says kills more than 900 people each year. According to the World Health Organization, the country still has 000 million adult smokers. In an advisory to state governments, the Department of Health said heated vaping and tobacco devices pose a "great health risk" and that children and non-smokers using such products could become addicted. with nicotine.
PHILIP MORRIS WANTS TO IMPOSE IQOS, THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH WANTS TO PROHIBIT HIS SALE!
The government's position with tobacco giant Philip Morris, which plans to launch its iQOS device in India. According to Reuters, Philip Morris works to
the arrival of its heated tobacco system as a harm reduction product in the country.
But the Ministry of Health has been clear and is asking Indian states to "guarantee" that ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery system) including e-cigarettes are no longer sold, manufactured or imported into the country.
According to the Ministry, these devices " represent a significant risk to the health of the general public, especially children, adolescents, pregnant women and women of childbearing age"
A senior health official said the government " sent a strong message "Concerning the harmfulness of its products for the population.
AN E-CIGARETTE REGULATION STILL PENDING
Last year, a New Delhi resident lodged a complaint with Delhi High Court demanding e-cigarette regulation. In order to clarify matters, the court asked a few days ago the Federal Ministry of Health to specify the date by which regulatory measures must be announced.
« The case was filed to highlight the absolute absence of regulation. It is now essential that strict implementation measures are taken" , said Bhuvanesh Sehgal, a lawyer based in Delhi.
In recent years, the Indian government has intensified its anti-tobacco control efforts, notably by increasing taxes on cigarettes but also by banning the use of e-cigarettes in many states.
