Vietnam will prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products beginning March 1, 2026, following the National Assembly’s approval of amendments to the Law on Investment, local outlet Tuoi Tre reported. The updated legislation places e-cigarettes and heated tobacco alongside other banned business sectors, including narcotics, certain hazardous chemicals and minerals, and prostitution.
The move builds on a resolution passed last year that banned the production, trading, import, possession, transportation, and use of these products, according to Thanh Nien. Health officials say early effects are already visible. Angela Pratt, the World Health Organization’s representative in Vietnam, noted a 70% drop in e-cigarette–related emergency cases at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, along with a sharp decline in promotional activities for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco.
Vietnam’s decision positions the country among the most restrictive markets in Asia regarding novel nicotine products, as policymakers cite rising youth use and public health concerns as key drivers of the ban.