Mexico’s Congress passes a law imposing prison sentences for selling e-cigarettes, aiming to protect youth health and close legal loopholes
MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s Congress has given final approval to a law imposing prison sentences for selling electronic cigarettes.
The bill establishes penalties of up to eight years in prison for selling e-cigarettes and similar products.
Mexico will now join a small group of countries with criminal penalties related to vaping.
Lawmakers from President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Morena party argued the measure protects young people’s health.
They stated it closes legal loopholes that allowed the devices to be promoted as safe.
Opponents claim the bill’s ambiguity could lead to abuses by authorities.
Senate President Laura Itzel Castillo confirmed the reform prohibits “electronic cigarettes and other similar systems or devices”.
The Senate approved the legislation on a 67-37 vote on Wednesday.
It passed the country’s lower chamber of Congress the previous day.
The bill now goes to President Sheinbaum’s desk to be signed into law.
An official 2023 survey estimated 2.1 million vape users in Mexico.
The country has a total population of about 132 million. – AFP
