Centre to K’taka: Crack down on illegal sale of e-cigarettes

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The state government has been directed by the union health ministry to crack down on the illegal sale of e-cigarettes. In September 2019, the union cabinet passed an ordinance to ban Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS).

Only three months after the ordinance was passed, an act was introduced banning all forms of production, sale, distribution and advertising except personal use. The central government has made note of the rise in the sale of e-cigarettes while experts have warned against the young getting addicted.

E-cigarettes have turned into a substitute for tobaccobased products with a significant population of users belonging to the younger generation. This is because ecigarettes are still sold illegally online and through various other means. The ministry has taken serious note of the developments in view of the grievous consequences of e-cigarette smoking by the younger generation.

The state government has now decided to conduct raids in pubs, bars, restaurants and malls, while also scanning online for illegal sales. It has also begun awareness drives in schools and colleges. It is important for the source of sales to be regulated as ecigarettes can be easily hidden by the young at homes and schools, according to the experts.