Argentina on Monday banned the import, sale and promotion of electronic cigarettes, reports AFP.

The government agency that regulates pharmaceuticals and food issued a blanket ban for the devices in a statement, saying there is no proof they help smokers kick the tobacco habit.
"There is no scientific evidence that validates these products as auxiliary measures to stop smoking, nor their safety," said Roberto Lede, a senior official in Argentina's state regulatory office said.
The statement mentioned a World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation stating that the level of safety and the degree of nicotine absorption by these products has not been established.
Argentina joins Uruguay, Colombia and Panama in banning electronic cigarettes. (pi)