Question : Ban on Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS)

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the quantum of e-cigarette or Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) imported in the country during the last three years and the current year;

(b) whether the Government has recently approved an ordinance and launched a major health and wellness initiative by Promulgation of Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes, if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any State has completely banned e-cigarettes so far, if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has created awareness to not to use e-cigarettes, if so, the details thereof along with success achieved;

(e) whether any action is being taken against the defaulter who will sell e-cigarettes after the ban, if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps taken by the Government to ensure that e-cigarettes or Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) is banned across India?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a):

Year Quantity of E-Cigarettes Imported
2016-17 9775
2017-18 30438
2018-19 3915
2019-20 500


(b) & (c): The Government of India prohibited electronic-cigarettes and like devices through promulgation of ‘The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement) Ordinance, 2019 on 18th September, 2019.

The Ordinance extends to whole of India and as such e-cigarettes are banned in all States/UTs.

(d) to (f): The Central and State Governments have been creating awareness on harmful effects and prohibition of e-cigarettes through different mode of communications.

All the States/UT Governments; Director General of Police of all States/UTs and Stakeholder, Central Government Ministries/Departments were requested to take necessary steps for implementation of the provisions of the Ordinance. Implementing agencies were also sensitized through a Video Conference for ensuring the implementation of the above said Ordinance. Further, a stakeholder Meeting was organized with Central Government Ministries/Departments for implementation of the provisions of the Ordinance.

Section 7 of The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement) Ordinance, 2019 provides for a punishment with imprisonment or fine or both for selling e-cigarettes.

The enforcement of provisions of the said Ordinance, 2019 is the responsibility of the States/Union Territories.