Tobacco and nicotine product regulation proposals

Governments in Vietnam and Namibia are proposing legislative amendments to strengthen tobacco and nicotine product controls.

In Vietnam, the Ministry of Health is seeking to amend the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms. The proposal includes banning the display of tobacco products at points of sale and integrating e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products into the legal framework. Recent drafts presented to the National Assembly Standing Committee propose banning the production, trade, storage, and import of electronic components and liquids used for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. It also seeks to prohibit tobacco sales via vending machines, social media, and e-commerce platforms. To protect minors, the proposal requires retailers to verify identities using passports, national ID cards, or the VNeID application and mandates a 100-meter buffer zone around medical and educational facilities where sales are prohibited.

As of late September 2026, the National Assembly of Vietnam is refining its 2027 Legislative Programme. During discussions held by the National Assembly Standing Committee, President Tran Thanh Man emphasized a strategic shift toward prioritizing “high-quality, stable, and constructive laws” over a high volume of legislation. The proposed tobacco control amendments remain a central component of this programme, which includes approximately 28 projects aimed at institutionalizing guidelines and addressing emerging health concerns. If approved, these changes are expected to take effect in July 2027.

Similarly, Namibia is considering amendments to its Tobacco Products Control Act of 2010. The proposed bill seeks to prohibit the sale, distribution, and use of various products, including e-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco, and oral nicotine products. Proposed measures include strict smoking restrictions near healthcare and educational facilities, as well as significant penalties, such as fines or imprisonment, for violations. During consultations, stakeholders raised concerns that banning existing products could lead to increased illicit trade.