E-cigarette users could face fines of $120-200

This is outlined in its draft decree on penalties, which is currently open for public feedback.

It also proposes fines of VND5-10 million for individuals who knowingly allow others to use these products on their property or under their management without intervention or reporting to the competent authorities.

This recommendation comes as Vietnam becomes the sixth Southeast Asian nation and 43rd globally to ban e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

Though they are already listed as prohibited goods, and any violation faces "penalties," specific fines for "possessing" and "using" them have yet to be spelled out, leading the ministry to propose these new regulations.

The use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products is rapidly increasing in Vietnam, especially among adolescents.

From 2015 to 2020 the rate of e-cigarette use among people from age 15 rose from 0.2% to 3.6%.

Among students aged 13-17 the rate increased from 2.6% in 2019 to 8.1% in 2023.

For females aged 11-18, survey results in 2023 in 11 provinces and cities showed a usage rate of 4.3%.

The ministry warns that the usage is particularly dangerous for young people.

Two years ago 1,224 people were hospitalized with poisoning or illness from e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products as the vape liquids were laced with drugs.

Reports from the Ministry of Public Security indicate a rapid increase in violations related to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products containing drugs.