Regulatory stance adopted by scores of nations

More than 90 countries have enacted national laws regulating e-cigarettes, including their sale, advertising, promotion, sponsorship, packaging and taxation.

In Australia, nicotine-free e-cigarettes are classified as legal consumer products, while the sale and marketing of electronic nicotine delivery services, also known as ENDS, is prohibited. However, imports for personal reasons may be allowed under certain circumstances. Advertising, promotion and sponsorship, as well as recreational use of electronic nicotine delivery systems are banned.

In Brazil, e-cigarettes are classified as tobacco products, with a law prohibiting their sale, advertising, distribution and importation. As tobacco products, their use in public places and on public transportation is prohibited.

In Vietnam, e-cigarettes are also classified as tobacco products. The national tobacco control law bans their sale to minors, and advertising. Smoking tobacco products is prohibited in public places and on public transportation, with the exception of designated areas.

In the Republic of Korea, nicotinefree e-cigarettes are considered consumer products. E-cigarettes that contain nicotine are classified as tobacco products, and sales are prohibited to minors. E-cigarette packaging and advertisements should include health warnings indicating that they contain harmful substances. The use of e-cigarettes is banned in public places and on public transportation, with the exception of designated smoking areas. E-cigarettes are subject to a number of taxes.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration classifies e-cigarettes as tobacco products, except in cases where they are marketed as drugs, devices or combination products ( for example, as a therapeutic device to help people quit smoking). The FDA regulates the sale, advertising, promotion, distribution, manufacture, import, packaging and labeling of e-cigarettes classified as tobacco products.

Packaging and advertising of e-cigarettes in the US must carry warnings if they contain nicotine, and sales to minors are prohibited. Retailers must verify the age of customers younger than 27 before sales can be made. Sales via vending machines are restricted to “adult-only facilities”, and promotional activities such as free samples are prohibited.