E-cigarettes, emerging tobacco products fully banned in BD

The ordinance, proposed by the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to strengthen the existing Smoking and Tobacco Products Use Control Act, 2005, came into effect on December 30 following approval by the President, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Thursday.

Under the new law, the production, import, export, storage, sale and use of e-cigarettes and emerging tobacco products have been declared punishable offences.

Violators may face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to Tk 5 lakh.

The other objectives of the ordinance are to protect people from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products and repeal separate laws related to bidi production by introducing a unified legal framework.

Penalties have been significantly increased under the amended ordinance with provisions for cancellation of licences and seizure of goods in the case of companies.

The ordinance also includes provisions for filing and conducting cases under the Code of Criminal Procedure

One of the key changes is the expansion of the definition of ‘tobacco products’ to include e-cigarettes, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Heated Tobacco Products and nicotine pouches.

The government has also been empowered to declare any similar product as a tobacco product through gazette notification.

Separate definitions for ‘nicotine’ and ‘nicotine products’ have been added, while the scope of ‘public place’ has been significantly broadened.

The government also banned the use of tobacco products in all public places and public transport.

The fine for violating this provision has been increased from Tk 300 to Tk 2,000.

All forms of tobacco advertising and promotion have been prohibited in print, electronic and online media, including social media and OTT platforms.

The sale of tobacco products has also been banned within 100 metres of educational institutions, hospitals, clinics, playgrounds and children’s parks.

Display and promotion of tobacco packs at points of sale have been banned,along with the use of tobacco company names or logos in corporate social responsibility activities and financial sponsorship of events or programmes by tobacco companies.

The ordinance has imposed a complete ban on the production, marketing and use of bidis made from kumbi leaves and tendu leaves.

Mixing any harmful or addictive substances with tobacco or tobacco products has been declared a punishable offence.

The law has further strengthened provisions on health warnings and standard packaging, making it mandatory for tobacco packs to carry graphic health warnings covering 75 percent of the package.

The sale of tobacco products without standard packaging has been prohibited, reports UNB.