Macau, an autonomous region in China, approved a law against vaping in August 2022, which is effective December 5th, 2022. The new restriction finalized a total clamping down on the production, selling, distribution, import and export of e-cigarettes. According to health authorities of the Macau administration, private entities caught violating the rule could face a fine ranging from MOP 20,000 to 200,000, while penalties for individuals carrying an e-cigarette would be 4,000 Macanese patacas.

macau bans vaping

The coming of this ban is shutting down the door to any vaping-related business in Macau. Taking a closer look at what Macau Health Bureau Director Alvis Lo said would help us better understand the situation.

“The use of electronic cigarettes is harmful to health, namely, it causes harmful effects to pregnant women, children and adolescents, and also exposes non-smokers to nicotine and other harmful chemicals. These devices have a vaporizer that can sometimes include unknown substances. This is something that worries us.”

“We support any resident that wants to quit smoking. It is complex work that may require some medications. Residents can go to any health center and ask for assistance. Smoking rates in the city have decreased annually, and the success rate for people who have reached out to the health services to quit smoking is at about 43%.”

The statement triggers a wave of criticism poking at the Macau administration’s hypocrisy – instead of taking action on regulating smoking, a well-known and already-proven harmful habit to people’s health, they enact an inconsiderable ban on vaping. As of now, scientists have not yet found any evidence to prove vaping is unhealthy. At least compared to traditional tobacco, vaping is much safer.

The year 2022 has witnessed several vaping events occur in China. From April 30th, 2022, the Hong Kong administration imposed a new regulation upon vaping. “No person may import, promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products, and herbal cigarettes.” The prohibition opened a new chapter for vaping business in HK, and clear penalties are shown.

In China mainland, the fruity flavor of vaping is banned from October 1st, 2022. Only tobacco flavor is allowed to produce and sell. And one month later, 36% more added taxes are imposed on manufacturers producing e-cigarette, which greatly limit the profits to be earned.

New rules against vaping are also emerging around the world today. In California, USA, voters have approved a ban on flavored tobacco. The court of California remains the possibility to challenge, though. The European Commission has also proposed banning the sale of flavored heated tobacco products, but usual vaping devices that contain nicotine and create vapor have not yet been influenced. The future of vaping is somehow in shadow, but there is still time and space to enjoy it! No one can deny the value of vaping in helping people quit smoking.