Mexican lawmakers approve a bill imposing up to 8 years in jail for selling e-cigarettes, aiming to curb youth vaping. The bill now heads to the Senate.
MEXICO CITY: Mexican lawmakers have advanced legislation that could impose prison sentences of up to eight years for selling electronic cigarettes.
The lower chamber of Congress approved the contentious reform by 324 votes to 129 on Tuesday.
It now proceeds to the Senate for final consideration.
Supporters argue the measure is necessary to protect young people’s health from misleading advertising.
Opponents warn the law’s ambiguity could expose ordinary vape users to criminal punishment.
During a heated debate, opposition lawmaker Andres Cantu brandished a vape from the podium.
He denounced what he called a “confusing law” that might “put me in jail”.
Pedro Zenteno, a ruling party proponent, said legal loopholes have allowed ads targeting children to spread.
He stated this advertising falsely suggests vaping is harmless.
If the Senate approves, Mexico will join a small group of nations with criminal penalties for vaping-related activities.
Official data shows vape users in Mexico surged from 975,000 in 2019 to 2.1 million in 2023.
