A year ago, Viet Nam’s National Assembly demonstrated remarkable leadership in public health by enacting a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs), with the aim of protecting the health and future of young people in Viet Nam. The National Assembly’s historic vote in November 2024 to adopt Resolution 173/2024/QH15, prohibiting the production, trade, importation, harbouring, transportation and use of these products was a true public health milestone, rightly drawing international praise.
Just last month, we heard how the ban is already protecting young people’s health. Data from Bach Mai Hospital’s Poison Control Center shows an almost 70% reduction in emergency cases associated with the harmful usage of these products, particularly among young people, since the ban was adopted. Furthermore, the clear message sent by the National Assembly in adopting the ban has led to a noticeable decrease in the online promotion of e-cigarettes and HTPs by influencers.
Once fully implemented, this ban will leave a lasting legacy: generations of Vietnamese youth free from the health risks of e-cigarette and HTP use.
Now, to ensure the health benefits of the National Assembly’s decision one year ago are realised, the ban must be reflected in all relevant laws, without exceptions.
Health risks to youth – the right to a nicotine-free life
It is important to be crystal clear about the health risks of using e-cigarettes and HTPs: these products are not safe, and they are not healthy. The health harms associated with e-cigarettes and HTPs can be severe, especially for teenagers. Nicotine consumption in children and adolescents has particularly damaging impacts on brain development, with potential long-term consequences, including learning and anxiety disorders. And then there are the long-term risks from the toxicants these products are known to contain – including the risk of cancer, heart and lung disease.
Just a few weeks ago, a 15-year-old boy was admitted to Bach Mai hospital after vaping. Investigations revealed brain damage, problems with his kidneys, lungs, heart and mental health. This case represents a child whose future is now very uncertain, a family no doubt in despair, and an entirely preventable tragedy.
This young boy – and every child and young person – deserves the chance to grow up free from nicotine addiction and its lifelong consequences. This example underscores the urgency of maintaining the National Assembly’s ban, and enforcing it rigorously – which demands that the ban be reflected in all other relevant laws.
How exceptions undermine the ban
Any exemptions, exceptions or loopholes – for example, to allow the production of e-cigarettes and HTPs in Viet Nam for export purposes, or to allow an exception for HTPs made from pure tobacco – would bring unintended consequences and seriously undermine the public health impact of the National Assembly’s decision to ban these harmful products.
Both proposals would open the door for these harmful products to enter the market legally or illegally. If accepted, they would make it very difficult, if not impossible, to differentiate legal from illegal products, making enforcement extremely challenging and therefore much less effective in protecting health.
If Viet Nam considers that these products are considered too harmful for domestic consumption, the country should not be producing them for other countries' consumption. Viet Nam does not want to become known as an exporter of disease and death.
A comprehensive ban – reflected in all relevant legislation – would align with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s strong statement at the Autumn Economic Forum on 26 November that: “Vietnam will not trade progress, social justice, environmental protection or social security to pursue economic growth.” At WHO we would respectfully add, Viet Nam should never trade health – which is core to social progress and economic development – for short-term growth.
International evidence on comprehensive bans
Viet Nam can look to other countries to learn from their experience of attempting to regulate e-cigarettes and similar products – and the risks of not adopting a comprehensive approach.
For example, in my home country of Australia, regulatory gaps when vaping first emerged contributed to a rapid increase in youth use. The peer-reviewed research shows that sadly, vaping has led to more teenagers taking up cigarette smoking – undermining decades of progress in tobacco control in Australia.
Globally, 42 countries have now banned e-cigarettes, and 24 have banned heated tobacco products. In the ASEAN region, apart from Viet Nam, four other countries – Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Singapore and Thailand – have banned both e-cigarettes and HTPs. Brunei Darussalam has banned e-cigarettes, and Malaysia will ban them from 2026. For those countries which have opted to ban these products, the clear international best practice is for a comprehensive approach, without loopholes or exceptions.
WHO urges Viet Nam to ensure that there are no loopholes or exceptions in its own legislation and regulatory approach. Only a comprehensive, exception-free ban can protect Viet Nam’s hard-won progress in tobacco control and controlling vaping, aligned with national targets and the Party’s commendable emphasis on health.
Protect youth – protect the future
For all of these reasons, WHO urges Viet Nam’s lawmakers to ensure that the National Assembly’s milestone ban on e-cigarettes and HTPs is reflected in all relevant legislation, including the draft Law on Investment, without exceptions. Specifically, Article 6 of the revised Law on Investment should list these products as prohibited business lines.
A comprehensive ban is the right thing to do – to maintain the progress that has already been made, to safeguard the health, prosperity and future of Viet Nam’s youth.