In a major move to protect the health of Bhutan’s younger generation, the National Council today deliberated on adding a new section to the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2026. That is to ban vapes or e-cigarettes permanently. The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee proposed this recommendation, which aims to address the alarming rise in the use of these modern nicotine products among the youth.
In the new section, the import of vapes or e-cigarettes would be permanently banned.
Chairperson of Social and Cultural Affairs Committee, Phub Dorji said, “According to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, vapes or e-cigarettes have been banned in 37 countries due to their health impacts.”
Committee members said the move is needed as these products are increasingly attracting children and youth.
The Chairperson of Social and Cultural Affairs Committee said, “According to the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, vapes are considered to have high quantities of lead and other substances that are harmful to health. Further, according to the National Health Survey 2023, around 31.4 per cent of the youth are using vapes or e-cigarettes.”
The Bill also proposes strict penalties. Anyone importing banned products could face a fourth-degree felony and fines set by the Tobacco Control Board.
A fourth-degree felony carries a prison term of at least three years but less than five years.
However, some members raised concerns about the impact the ban could have on businesses.
Deputy Chairperson of NC, Dago Tsheringla said, “When we talk of banning e-cigarettes, we have to think about those businesses who have paid proper taxes and imported these products in the country adhering to the current act.”
To this, committee members said public health should come first.
Social and Cultural Affairs Committee member Tshering said, “It is true that import of these products is beneficial for the economy. However, health and safety are more important than money. This is because our youth are the future leaders of our country.”
Pema Tashi who is also a committee member said, “According to an in-country research, e-cigarettes can lead to lungs inflammation, cardiovascular risks, and effect on the development of adolescence brain. Similarly, WHO has also conducted various study on the health impacts of nicotine and e-cigarettes”
Through the proposed ban, the committee hopes to prevent vaping from becoming a bigger health problem in Bhutan.
The National Council will continue deliberating on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2026 tomorrow.
Kinley Bidha/Singye Dema
