J Korean Med Assoc.  2020 Feb;63(2):112-118. 10.5124/jkma.2020.63.2.112.

International regulatory overview of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products

• Lee CM

• KMID: 2470066
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2020.63.2.112

Abstract

This document provides a description of country-level laws that regulate electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The mechanisms used to regulate e-cigarettes were classified as either new/amended laws or existing laws. The policy domains identified include restrictions or prohibitions related to the product (sale, manufacturing, importation, distribution, use, product design including e-liquid ingredients, advertising/ promotion/ sponsorship, and trademarks) and regulatory requirements (taxation, health warning labels, and child-safety standards). A range of regulatory approaches are currently being applied to e-cigarettes globally; however, many countries still regulate e-cigarettes using legislation not tailored specifically for e-cigarettes. Only a handful of countries levy a tax on e-cigarettes. Evidence on the harmful effects and benefits of e-cigarettes usage has not been clearly established yet. The regulatory treatment of heated tobacco products varies from country to country, with some classifying e-cigarettes and cigarettes under the same legislation, other countries treating e-cigarettes more favorably, and some jurisdictions banning them altogether. As the evidence base grows, we expect additional activity in the regulatory arena.

Keyword

Tobacco; Nicotine; Electronic nicotine delivery systems; Policy

MeSH Terms

Electronic Cigarettes*
Hand
Hot Temperature*
Jurisprudence
Nicotine
Taxes
Tobacco Products*
Tobacco*
Nicotine

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