E-cigarettes have been a controversial topic since their introduction. While some see them as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, others argue that they have their own set of risks. In India, e-cigarettes were banned in 2019 to protect youngsters from the dangers of addiction. However, a recent survey conducted across six states and Delhi has found that e-cigarettes are easily available at tobacco shops and sold to anyone without any age verification.
Key Findings of the Survey
The survey conducted by five organizations -- Voluntary Health Association of India, VOICE, Nadda India, National Law School University India, Bangalore and Karnataka NO for Tobacco -- found that:
- E-cigarettes are easily available at tobacco shops and sold to anyone without any age verification.
- E-cigarettes get delivered within a couple of days when ordered online and are sold without any age verification.
- Most vendors are not aware that e-cigarettes have been banned by law and are openly selling those, and the e-cigarettes that are being sold are mostly manufactured in China.
- E-cigarettes are easily available at tobacco vendors operating near educational institutions.
- E-cigarette marketers have illicitly managed to achieve a foothold in the market that has not been completely redressed by the ban.
Impact of Weak Enforcement
Despite the ban clamped by the government in 2019, e-cigarettes are still easily available at tobacco shops and sold to children below 18 years of age. The enforcement of the ban has been weak, resulting in the market being flooded with cheap and unbranded China-made e-cigarettes.
The prevalence of vape products, especially among teens, is a global epidemic. The government's role has been remarkable in nipping the vape menace in its bud through the enactment of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019. However, there is no follow-up at the ground level on enforcement. There have been very few instances of compliance, such as where the customs department has seized e-cigarettes coming in the form of toys or some other material.
Coordinated Effort Needed
A coordinated effort at the central and state levels is urgently needed to ensure that the ban is effective. The government must ensure the effective compliance and enforcement of the ban. The states were directed to review the compliance with the PECA and issue necessary instructions for an effective implementation of the provisions of the Act through special drives and random checking at schools and colleges.
Conclusion
E-cigarettes were banned in India due to the health risks they pose and to ensure that they do not become an epidemic among children and young adults. However, the weak enforcement of the ban has resulted in the easy availability of e-cigarettes at various sources. It is essential to ensure that the ban is enforced effectively to protect youngsters from the dangers of addiction.
FAQs
- What is the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019?
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, is an Act that prohibits the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement of e-cigarettes, including all forms of electronic nicotine delivery systems, heat-not-burn products, e-hookahs and such other devices, called by whichever name and irrespective of their shape, size or form.
- Why were e-cigarettes banned in India?
E-cigarettes were banned in India to protect youngsters from the dangers of addiction.
- Are e-cigarettes easily available in India?
Yes, despite the ban clamped by the government in 2019, e-cigarettes are still easily available at tobacco shops and sold to children below 18 years of age.
- What is the impact of weak enforcement of the e-cigarette ban in India?
The weak enforcement of the ban has resulted in the market being flooded with cheap and unbranded China-made e-cigarettes, making them easily accessible to children and young adults. The prevalence of vape products, especially among teens, is a global epidemic, and the easy availability of e-cigarettes poses a significant risk of addiction.
- What is the way forward to ensure the effective enforcement of the e-cigarette ban in India?
A coordinated effort at the central and state levels is urgently needed to ensure that the ban is effective. The government must ensure the effective compliance and enforcement of the ban, and the states should review the compliance with the PECA and issue necessary instructions for an effective implementation of the provisions of the Act through special drives and random checking at schools and colleges.