Well for one, not everywhere in the world is on board with our happy past time - many countries and states have strict regulations regarding the use, sale and possession of vaping devices and e-liquids whilst some ban them all together. Though in the UK we appear ahead of the game with our regulations on vaping devices; pens and e-cigarettes are now currently on the same level as patches, gums and nicotine mouth sprays that are created to help smokers quit. Licensors can now sell their products on the UK market and smokers can use their devices anywhere that smoking is allowed.
But us Brits like to venture abroad and with mixed emotions across the globe with regards to our newly found hobby, you’re going to need to know a little bit about how vaping is viewed around the world before you jet off oblivious to their laws…
THE EU
It is illegal to sell nicotine cartridges in Finland unless they contain less than 10mg of nicotine - though it can only be bought for private and personal use. Austria and Denmark regulate e-cigarettes as medicinal devices whilst in the Netherlands it is completely legal to use and sell them, but it’s prohibited to advertise.
SWITZERLAND and NORWAY
Currently illegal.
USA
Like most laws in the USA, each individual state has it’s own restrictions, though generally it is legal to use, sell and advertise. If you’re travelling to Nebraska, Nevada or Tennessee, it is completely illegal to smoke your device indoors.
CANADA
There is a strict law prohibiting the importation of e-cigarettes in Canada, though it is indeed legal to vape in the country. However, the government has the right to seize NCPs that are being imported in, only pens bought from a licensed dealer can be used.
BRAZIL
The usage, sale and advertising of electronic cigarettes is completely banned in Brazil due to the ‘lack of information’ regarding there long term effects on the human body.
SOUTH AFRICA
Apparently vapers in South Africa are smoking up a storm! As home to renowned vaping brand Twisp, the country has seen rapid growth in the numbers turning to e-cigarettes over tobacco - at 98%! Vaping is currently legal in this country and it’s no wonder as brands claim their sense of community amongst vapers is thriving. However, their minister of health, Aaron Motsoaledi, is determined to ban the devices in a bid to rid the country of smoking all together.
SINGAPORE
Now illegal. Previously, the prohibition only prevented the import, sale and distribution of e-cigarettes, however it is now illegal to own or possess them and are even liable to pay a fine of around £7,500 or have a minimum jail sentence of six months!
AUSTRALIA
Nicotine is classed as a poison in Australia, and it is therefore illegal to sell it except as a licensed medication. Nicotine free devices and refillable devices can however, be sold and used in most states. In Western Australia you can use nicotine in the devices and you can import them, however, it is illegal to sell or supply electronic cigarettes, though you are allowed to buy them in other Australian states.
This has brought about extreme confusion as to where e-cigarettes sit in society down under. However, each state has its own regulations (like the USA) regarding the use, importation and advertising of the devices which differ depending where you are - so it’s best to do your homework!
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand allow the same laws on e-cigarettes as in the UK and are used as medicinal products.
