Brazil Chamber of Deputies considers ban on electronic cigarettes

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies is analyzing Bill 2005/26, which proposes a total ban on the manufacture, sale, import, transport, and storage of electronic smoking devices (DEFs), including vapes and heated tobacco products. Introduced by Deputy Fábio Teruel, the legislation aims to amend Law 9.294/96 and the Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA) to prohibit sales to minors and restrict the use of these devices in enclosed public or private spaces.

The proposal highlights concerns regarding acute toxicity and the high nicotine concentrations found in modern devices, which health experts note can lead to severe respiratory and cardiovascular issues. The bill also seeks to hold digital platforms and social media responsible for removing content that illicitly promotes these products to minors. Technical regulation of the matter would fall under the responsibility of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).

In response to rising consumption trends, regional health initiatives in cities like Uberlândia and Várzea Grande are conducting educational campaigns to warn students about the risks of nicotine addiction and the false sense of security provided by flavored electronic cigarettes.