During a November 11 session, National Assembly member Le Hoang Anh from Gia Lai Province voiced concerns over lobbying efforts from vested interests advocating for continued trials in managing electronic cigarettes. Hoang Anh cited findings from the Criminal Investigation Department on Narcotics (under the Ministry of Public Security), which reported a significant increase in cases where drugs were mixed into electronic, heated, and new-generation tobacco products, making them challenging to detect.

According to Le Hoang Anh, the narcotics department has endorsed a ban on the manufacture, import, distribution, and advertising of these products. However, the Ministry of Industry has suggested a pilot program for better regulatory control.

“Many voters report that certain groups within the tobacco industry are actively lobbying to maintain experimental management of these products. What role has the Ministry of Health played in advising on this issue? And how does this affect the position of the Ministry of Industry?” Le Hoang Anh asked.

In response, Minister of Industry Nguyen Hong Dien clarified that tobacco sales are a regulated business activity under the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control. He explained that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, as new-generation tobacco products, currently fall outside the scope of existing laws, leaving a significant legal gap.

At the end of 2019 and into 2020, due to the absence of legal tools to control these emerging tobacco products—despite their increasing presence in Vietnam—the Ministry of Industry proposed to the government a pilot policy specifically for heated tobacco. This proposal was approved for further policy development.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien stated that the process involved gathering input from various agencies, with some in favor and others, such as the Ministry of Health, opposed. Following extensive discussions, the Ministry of Industry aligned with the Ministry of Health’s stance that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products pose health risks and should be banned.

“We have persistently advocated for a legal framework to ban these products, and I can assure you that neither the Ministry of Industry nor I personally have ever proposed continuing the pilot for managing new tobacco products, as Assembly Member Hoang Anh suggested. The member may recall past information, but this is not an accurate reflection of the current situation,” Minister Dien stated. He also emphasized that the ministry has consistently denied licenses for the sale and registration of these products.

To improve control over these products, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien agreed on the need for a strict regulatory policy to close legal loopholes and facilitate effective oversight.

While waiting for new legislation or revisions to the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control, the Ministry of Industry continues to direct market regulators and relevant units to increase inspections and enforce strict penalties on individuals and organizations involved in the sale, storage, or transportation of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

Minister Dien noted that violations involving traditional and new-generation tobacco products largely result from illegal imports, underscoring the importance of strengthening border control. He also stressed the need for enhanced public education on the risks of e-cigarettes, especially targeting children and students.

The minister further urged local authorities to assume a greater role in overseeing, inspecting, and enforcing regulations on these products as part of their state management responsibilities.

Quang Phong, Thu Hang, Tran Thuong