Discussions are underway to amend the existing tobacco control laws in response to the growing use of e-cigarettes among Bhutanese youth. Health Secretary Pemba Wangchuk said that while traditional tobacco products and nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are taxed at 100 per cent, nicotine-free e-cigarettes are only taxed for the device. This highlights regulatory gaps for non-nicotine e-cigarettes, particularly those with flavored variants. The Bhutan Trade Statistics show that e-cigarette imports surged from nearly three million ngultrum in 2023 to Nu 16 M last year. The secretary also mentioned that the ministry is actively working to restrict youth access to e-cigarettes.
The health secretary said, “To curb youth access to e-cigarettes and protect public health, Bhutan Food and Drug Authority is implementing several proactive measures. We have a prohibition on sales to minors with strict penalties for violations, strict monitoring of product displays, and oversight on advertisement, promotion, and sponsorship of these products.”
Namgay Dema
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
