Colombia Approves Law to Regulate Vaping and E-Cigarettes

After several failed attempts in the past, Colombia has finally approved a law against electronic cigarette vaping, with the aim, it was announced, of protecting children and adolescents from the advertising of this type of consumption. The approved legislative initiative seeks to establish controls over an industry considered by several studies as a potential risk to public health, especially among young people. In fact, according to official figures, 25% of the people taking up vaping are under 18 years of age.

Fifteen years after the first Colombian anti-smoking law, this new framework limiting the use of electronic cigarettes is a step forward in the fight against smoking in Colombia. It is actually an extension of Law 335 of 2009, approved at the initiative of Dilian Francisca Toro, now governor of the department of Valle and, curiously, a member of the same party that now extends the legislation of the use of vapers.

“A big step for public health”

The law explicitly prohibits the sale of vapers and electronic cigarettes to minors. In addition, it also regulates the advertising of these products, with a focus on discouraging their use and preventing their promotion and advertising. With this new legislation, the use of electronic cigarettes is equated to that of traditional tobacco.

The representative to the Chamber of Deputies for U Party, Victor Salcedo, rapporteur of this law and one of its promoters, highlighted that “the approval in the last debate of the bill, which regulates the commercialization of electronic cigarettes in Colombia” is “a great step forward in public health“.

To reach this point it has taken several years of political discussions, frustrated legislative projects and parliamentary debate to materialize in the new law. “Fifteen years after the Anti-tobacco Law, we managed to modernize the regulatory framework,” said political representative Norma Hurtado, of the same party as Salcedo and another of the promoters of this legislation.

Toxicity of electronic cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes and vapes have revolutionized the world of tobacco since their emergence at the beginning of this century. Originating as a seemingly safer alternative to traditional tobacco, these devices have gained popularity among consumers, especially among young people. Their appeal lies in the variety of flavors and the perceived lower health risk.

However, studies have revealed that e-cigarettes and vape liquids contain toxic and carcinogenic substances, including nicotine, formaldehyde and heavy metals. This raises concerns about their long-term health impact, especially among adolescents, whose brains are still developing.

Despite regulations and public health warnings, the popularity of e-cigarettes continues to rise. The task of legislators around the world points to the importance of consumers being informed about the risks associated with their use. As of today, Colombia is implementing a policy to regulate their marketing and promotion and to prevent the influence of this type of consumption among the younger public.

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings about the risks of vaping, urging governments to implement policies that limit the access and consumption of electronic cigarettes so as not to ruin decades of anti-smoking policies worldwide.