Last updated: January 13, 2020
Main Policies
Sale of e-cigarettes
The law allows the sale of e-cigarettes provided that they meet the same criteria as tobacco products, including packaging requirements.
Use in indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport
The law prohibits exposing others to smoke and smoking tobacco products in public places, workplaces, and public transport. The law includes e-cigarettes under the definition of “tobacco products.” However, the law defines “smoking” as holding a lit tobacco product, and the law defines “exposure to smoke” to include only smoke that comes from a lit cigarette, pipe or cigar. Therefore, it is uncertain whether the law prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in public places, workplaces, and public transport.
Advertising and promotion (excluding point of sale product display)
Because the law includes e-cigarettes under its definition of “tobacco products” and defines advertising and promotion broadly, the law imposes a comprehensive ban on e-cigarette advertising and promotion.
Sponsorship
Because the law includes e-cigarettes under its definition of “tobacco products” and defines sponsorship broadly, the law imposes a comprehensive ban on e-cigarette sponsorship.
Point of sale product display
The law does not address point of sale product display of e-cigarettes; therefore, point of sale product display is allowed.
Sale of e-cigarettes via the internet
Because the law includes e-cigarettes under its definition of “tobacco products,” the law bans the sale of e-cigarettes via the internet.
Flavors
There is no law addressing flavors in e-cigarettes; therefore, the use of flavors in e-cigarettes is allowed.
Specified ingredients/additives
There is no law addressing ingredients or additives in e-cigarettes; therefore, there are no restrictions on the use of ingredients or additives in e-cigarettes.
Health warnings on product packaging
Because the law includes e-cigarettes under its definition of “tobacco products,” the law applies the tobacco health warning packaging requirements to e-cigarettes. The law requires e-cigarette health warnings cover 70% of the main front and back surfaces of product packaging. However, the procedures for implementation of packaging and labeling, including health warnings, have not yet been set by regulatory enactment. Because these requirements are not yet in effect, the regulatory status code "Not Required" is given.
Other product packaging and labeling requirements
There is no law addressing other product packaging and labeling requirements for e-cigarettes; therefore, there are no other product packaging and labeling requirements.
Maximum nicotine concentration
There is no law addressing nicotine concentration levels in e-cigarettes; therefore, there is no prescribed maximum nicotine concentration.
Device requirements
The law does not address device requirements for e-cigarettes.
Manufacturer/importer disclosures and/or notification requirements
The law requires manufacturers and importers of tobacco products, which is defined to include e-cigarettes, to make annual disclosures to the Ministry of Health on “all information relating to the quality, quantity, composition and emissions of tobacco products.”