The ministry’s announcement said that devices such as e-cigarettes should not be stored and advertised in the interest of public health, The Print reported.
The ministry’s announcement comes after it found that manufacturers, producers, importers, sellers, and distributors of e-cigarette products are allegedly violating norms in the sale and advertising of e-cigarettes.
“All manufacturers, producers, importers, exporters, distributors, advertisers, transporters of e-cigarettes, including couriers, social media sites, e-commerce sites, online shopping sites, store owners/retailers, etc. are hereby notified that they may not directly or indirectly produce or manufacture import or export or transport or sell or distribute or stock electronic cigarettes, whether complete products or any part thereof; if advertising electronic cigarettes or engaging in any advertising (print, electronic media, internet or website or social media, etc.) that directly or indirectly advertises the use of electronic cigarettes.”
A 2022 survey showed that 94 percent of Indian e-cigarette users gave up e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) after the 2019 ban was implemented.
The survey, designed by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and conducted in partnership with the National Law School of India University in Bangalore, was disseminated online and targeted people aged 18 to 34. The majority of respondents were from the state of Karnataka.
The survey also revealed that more than 56% of respondents believed there were health risks associated with using ENDS products, while 24% were unaware of any risks.