Anyone who has followed the vaping industry for years knows that few markets have been under such scrutiny, both nationally and worldwide, in recent history. And that’s why we know that many vapers have no idea where things stand at any given time and whether or not certain products and purchase methods are legal – or, if they’re legal now if they will stay that way for much longer. Because of that, let’s offer an update on any vape ban in 2022 worldwide, including here in the United States.
The U.S. Recently Banned Flavored Vapes and Online Sales
In 2022, the FDA came up with new regulations for the vaping industry, and, as has happened many times before, it’s left business owners and vapers alike with more questions than answers.
Basically, the announcement declared that synthetic nicotine, aka tobacco-free nicotine (TFN), would now be classified as a tobacco product. Up until now, synthetic nicotine has acted as a workaround, being seen as a separate industry immune to tobacco regulations because synthetic nicotine contains zero tobacco derivatives. Of course, TFN doesn’t exist solely to sidestep any potential regulations on tobacco products – it comes with distinctive perks, among them, being the fact that vapers simply don’t want to consume tobacco derivatives when they vape. But, any potential changes in the legality of selling products that contain synthetic nicotine are yet to be announced.
Remember that this comes after an announcement in June of 2022 that JUUL, the early pioneer and leader in salt-based nicotine products, would be required to stop all sales. The U.S. Court of Appeals did issue a legal stay the next day, but ultimately, the decision is classified as “pending,” as it awaits full court review.
For the time being, products made with synthetic nicotine are only banned in one part of the country – San Francisco. But, plenty of lawmakers around the country have shown interest in banning vaping products altogether – bringing into question whether certain legislators’ kickbacks from certain cigarette companies may have an influence.
So, what about the big “flavor ban” that’s been teased by lawmakers for almost 3 solid years now? Well, that’s a good question. Ultimately, there has been no real motion to completely ban all flavored vape products or sales via either a local vape shop or vape shop online. For the time being, as you can clearly see, it’s possible to buy flavored vape juice anywhere vaping goods are sold. This includes the vape pen products (disposable vapes) that are fast-taking over the market.
List of Countries that Have Banned the Sales of Vaping products
Now, we have a good idea of where the vaping industry stands at this moment in time, but what about around the world? Let’s cover the countries in which vaping is either banned or heavily regulated/restricted.
· Argentina: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Australia: Vaping products are only available through a doctor’s prescription, and importing vaping products without a prescription is subject to a large fine.
· Bangladesh: It was recently announced that a total ban of vaping products is coming soon.
· Bhutan: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Brazil: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Brunei Darussalam: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Cambodia: Vaping is completely banned.
· Chile: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Colombia: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· East Timor: Vaping is completely banned.
· Egypt: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Ethiopia: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Gambia: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Hong Kong: The production and sales of vaping products are completely banned.
· India: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Iran: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Jamaica: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Japan: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell anything other than zero-nicotine vapes.
· Kuwait: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Laos: Vaping is completely banned.
· Lebanon: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Macau: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Malaysia: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Mauritius: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Mexico: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Myanmar: Vaping is completely banned.
· Nepal: It is legal to use vaping products, but possibly illegal to sell them.
· Nicaragua: Vaping is completely banned.
· North Korea: Vaping is completely banned.
· Oman: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Panama: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Qatar: Vaping is completely banned.
· Seychelles: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Singapore: Vaping is completely banned.
· Sri Lanka: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Suriname: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Syria: Vaping is completely banned.
· Thailand: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Timor-Leste: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Turkey: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to import them.
· Turkmenistan: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Uganda: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Uruguay: It is legal to use vaping products, but illegal to sell them.
· Vatican City: Vaping is completely banned.
· Venezuela: Vaping is likely completely banned.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, vape laws around the world are subject to change, either in favor or against vapers and the industry at large. If you live in the U.S., know that for the time being, you can continue purchasing your favorite vaping products, like your favorite cheap vape juice from an e-liquid depot.