NGAWANG JAMPHEL | Thimphu
The National Council is deliberating a major amendment to Bhutan’s tobacco laws that could lead to a complete nationwide ban on vapes and e-cigarettes, as lawmakers raise growing concerns over youth addiction and public health risks linked to electronic nicotine products.
The debate emerged during discussions on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2026, where the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee recommended introducing a permanent ban on the import of all electronic nicotine delivery systems, commonly known as vapes or e-cigarettes.
If passed, the proposed amendment would prohibit the import, distribution, and sale of vaping products across the country.
However, members of the National Council remain divided on whether a total ban is the best approach, with some lawmakers instead proposing stricter regulation and controlled use of the products.
Due to differing opinions among members, the Council deferred the final decision and announced that further deliberations on the Bill will continue during the next session.
The proposal comes amid a sharp rise in the import and use of vaping devices in Bhutan, particularly among young people. According to Bhutan Trade Statistics presented during the deliberations, the number of vape units legally imported into the country increased from just 994 units in 2022 to 448,086 units in 2025.
Lawmakers said the rapid growth has transformed vaping from a relatively uncommon trend into a widespread practice, especially in urban areas and around schools and colleges.
Chairperson of the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee, Phub Dorji, said the recommendation for a complete ban was based on increasing evidence of the harmful health impacts of vaping and international public health standards.
“According to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, vapes or e-cigarettes have been banned in 37 countries due to their health impacts,” he said during the deliberation.
Committee members argued that vaping products are increasingly attracting children and adolescents because of their colourful designs, attractive packaging, and sweet flavours that imitate fruits and candies.
The committee also cited findings from the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, which reportedly found high quantities of lead and other harmful substances in some vaping products available in the country.
Further concerns were raised based on the National Health Survey 2023, which estimated that around 31.4 percent of Bhutanese youth are using vapes or e-cigarettes.
“The increasing use of these products among the younger generation is alarming,” Phub Dorji said. “If we do not act now, it may become a larger public health problem in the future.”
The proposed amendment also introduces strict penalties for those involved in importing banned products. Under the bill, anyone caught importing vaping devices illegally could face charges equivalent to a fourth-degree felony, along with fines imposed by the Tobacco Control Board.
Under Bhutanese law, a fourth-degree felony carries a prison sentence of at least three years and less than five years.
Supporters of the ban said strict enforcement measures are necessary to discourage illegal trade and prevent the widespread availability of vaping products in the country.
However, several members questioned whether imposing a total ban would be practical or economically fair, especially for business owners who have legally imported vaping products under the existing law.
Deputy Chairperson of the National Council, Dago Tsheringla, urged members to consider the impact the decision could have on legal traders and small businesses.
“When we talk of banning e-cigarettes, we have to think about those businesses who have paid proper taxes and imported these products into the country adhering to the current Act,” he said.
Some lawmakers argued that instead of imposing a blanket ban, the government should regulate the sale and use of vaping products through stricter licensing systems, age restrictions, and tighter market controls.
Members favouring regulation said such an approach could reduce illegal smuggling while still protecting public health.
They also warned that a total ban could create an underground black market, making it more difficult for authorities to monitor and control the products entering the country.
Despite these concerns, committee members maintained that public health must take priority over economic interests.
Committee member Tshering acknowledged that vape imports contribute to business income and government revenue but stressed that the long-term health consequences could outweigh short-term financial benefits.
“It is true that import of these products is beneficial for the economy. However, health and safety are more important than money because our youth are the future leaders of our country,” he said.
Another committee member, Pema Tashi, presented findings from local and international health studies linking vaping to serious medical conditions.
“According to an in-country research, e-cigarettes can lead to lung inflammation, cardiovascular risks, and effects on the development of the adolescent brain,” he said.
He also referred to studies conducted by the World Health Organization that highlight the harmful effects of nicotine addiction and prolonged exposure to chemicals used in electronic cigarettes.
Health experts have increasingly warned that many young people mistakenly believe vaping is safer than traditional smoking. However, medical professionals caution that vaping products still contain addictive nicotine and toxic substances that can damage the lungs, heart, and developing brain.
Bhutan has historically maintained some of the strictest tobacco control policies in the region. The country banned the sale of tobacco products in 2004 before later introducing regulated import systems under controlled conditions.
Lawmakers said the growing popularity of vaping now presents a new challenge for Bhutan’s public health and tobacco control policies.
Supporters of the proposed amendment believe Bhutan still has an opportunity to prevent vaping from becoming deeply rooted among the younger population.
They warned that delaying action could lead to rising addiction rates, increased healthcare costs, and greater health complications in the future.
At the same time, the debate has triggered broader public discussion about balancing personal freedom, commercial interests, and the government’s responsibility to protect public health.
While many citizens support stricter measures to protect children and adolescents, others believe that education, awareness campaigns, and controlled regulation may be more effective than criminalising vaping products entirely.
The National Council is expected to continue clause-by-clause deliberations on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2026 next month before making a final decision on the proposed nationwide vape ban.
