E-Cigarette Ban in India: A Legal and Enforcement Update

The Indian government has reiterated the complete ban on electronic cigarettes under national law, confirming no narcotics cases have involved e-cigarettes. Enforcement is state-driven, with measures in place to prevent smuggling. Agencies use intelligence-based operations and canine units for monitoring, while public awareness efforts continue.

The government affirmed the complete ban on electronic cigarettes under Indian law, as informed to Parliament on Wednesday. However, the Narcotics Control Bureau has not recorded any cases involving e-cigarettes and narcotics.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai noted that the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (PECA) Act of 2019 prohibits the production and distribution of these devices. States and Union Territories enforce this ban through local law agencies.

No amendments are planned for the NDPS Act of 1985. Measures to bolster drug detection include vigilant monitoring by agencies like the DRI and Customs, with specialized canine units patrolling entry points. Awareness campaigns target youth, supported by hotline assistance.

(With inputs from agencies.)