The Ministry of Health has issued a stern declaration regarding the possession of e-cigarettes, categorically stating that it constitutes a violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act (PECA) of 2019. This crucial clarification, relayed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MCA) last month through official channels, aims to fortify the enforcement of the existing ban.

Dr. Pulkesh Kumar, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasized that while PECA does not explicitly forbid the personal use of e-cigarettes, its primary purpose is to outlaw their production, manufacturing, importation, exportation, transportation, sale, distribution, storage, and advertising.

Hence, possessing e-cigarettes in any quantity within the country inevitably flouts the stipulations of PECA 2019. This comprehensive ban extends to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Heat Not Burn Products, e-Hookahs, and analogous devices, all enacted in the interest of public health and safeguarding the populace from potential harm.

Notably, despite stringent penalties and the threat of imprisonment, e-cigarettes continue to circulate through various channels, including tobacco vendors, general stores, and online retailers. To combat this issue, the Health Ministry has introduced an online reporting portal to expedite the identification and resolution of PECA violations.

Anyone encountering such violations can now report them via the dedicated portal at "http://www.violation-reporting.in." The government's concern regarding the alarming surge in e-cigarette usage among youth prompted action in May, with the issuance of a public notice aimed at the effective implementation of the Act. Subsequently, in July, the Ministry dispatched notices to 15 websites involved in the sale and advertisement of e-cigarettes, urging them to cease these activities.

Earlier, in February, the Ministry had communicated with all states and Union territories, urging them to ensure the rigorous enforcement of the e-cigarette ban. The letter directed chief secretaries to address the issue of e-cigarette sales in proximity to educational institutions, particularly at stationary stores.

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