The Ministry of Health of Argentina has prohibited the importation, distribution, commercialization and advertising of e- cigarettes and their accessories, reports Argentine Republic.

The health department published in the Official Gazette a resolution (565/2023) signed by Health Minister Carla Vizzotti, which establishes the ban of electronic systems or devices intended for inhaling tobacco vapours or aerosols, usually referred to as “Heated Tobacco Products” (HTPs).

The decision, which was made “based on the risks associated with the use of this type of product”, also covers all types of accessories for the operation of said systems or devices, as well as cartridges and tobacco sticks to be heated.

E-cigarette use in Argentina is relatively low, at 1.1 per cent of the adult population, according to the National Survey of Risk Factors 2018. However, when the focus is on young people, the percentage records an “alarming” increase, reaching 7 per cent of the population aged 13-15, according to the World Youth Tobacco Survey 2018. In Argentina, e-cigarette use exclusively reaches 3 per cent of adolescents, which would bring the overall prevalence to 21 per cent in 2018.