Vape in Nepali: Government Initiates Process to Ban Vaping

The Nepalese government has taken decisive steps toward banning electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vapes, across the nation. The National Health Education, Information and Communication Center (NHEICC), under the Department of Health Services, has reached out to several government ministries to collaborate effectively in implementing this ban.

Keshav Raj Pandit, director of the NHEICC, has called for cooperation from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the Department of Customs, and the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection. This collaboration aims to enforce the regulations prohibiting the use and promotion of electronic cigarettes.

Legal Framework for the Ban

The foundation for this ban is based on Subsection 4 of Section 28 of the Tobacco Products Control Regulation 2071 BS, which forbids individuals and entities from producing, importing, selling, distributing, or consuming electronic cigarettes in public spaces, as well as promoting them through media channels.

Health Risks and Gateway to Tobacco Use

Dr. Bhakta Bahadur KC, a senior health education administrator at the NHEICC, highlighted the health risks posed by electronic cigarettes, asserting that they carry dangers similar to those of traditional cigarettes. He emphasized that vaping could act as a gateway to tobacco use, potentially leading to nicotine addiction and reinforcing smoking behaviors.

Vaping has been associated with various health issues, including cardiovascular and neurological problems, alongside oral health concerns. Moreover, the risks extend to those around the user, raising further public health alarms.

Growing Popularity and Import Statistics

Despite these health warnings, electronic cigarettes have surged in popularity in Nepal, largely due to the wide variety of available flavors. Recent data from the Department of Customs reveals that Nepal imported 3,223,687 electronic cigarette devices in the last fiscal year, primarily from China (3,175,815), followed by the United States (265,640) and the United Arab Emirates (12,967). Imports from India, the UK, and other countries have also contributed to this growth.

Dr. KC estimates the annual trade volume of electronic devices in Nepal to be around Rs 32 billion, with imports increasing by 200 times over the past five years. The price of vapes typically ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 13,000.

Conclusion

As the government moves forward with the ban on electronic cigarettes, it seeks to address the growing health concerns surrounding their use. The coordinated effort across various ministries aims to restrict the availability and promotion of vaping products, ultimately prioritizing public health and safety in Nepal.