Vietnam’s National Assembly Votes to Ban E-Cigarette Business from 2026

Vietnam is preparing for one of the most significant regulatory shifts in its tobacco control history. The National Assembly has officially approved an amendment to the Law on Investment that will prohibit all business activities related to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products starting in 2026.

What Was Approved by the National Assembly?

In December 2025, Vietnam’s National Assembly passed a revised version of the Law on Investment, adding e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to the country’s list of prohibited business sectors. Once the law takes effect, companies will no longer be allowed to invest in, manufacture, distribute, or sell these products within Vietnam.

This decision places vaping products in the same regulatory category as other restricted industries, reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance approach toward new nicotine delivery systems.

When Will the Ban Take Effect?

The ban is scheduled to come into force on March 1, 2026. Vietnamese authorities have indicated that transitional measures may be applied to projects that were legally registered before January 1, 2025, particularly those focused on export-only manufacturing.

However, the domestic sale and promotion of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products will be fully prohibited.

Government Rationale Behind the Ban

Vietnamese lawmakers and health officials cited growing concerns over youth vaping, nicotine addiction, and the long-term health risks associated with electronic cigarettes. Reports have shown an increase in e-cigarette use among teenagers, prompting stronger legislative action.

Public health authorities argue that preventive regulation is essential to avoid repeating the public health challenges historically linked to traditional tobacco products.

International Health Organizations’ Response

International health bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have publicly supported Vietnam’s decision. The WHO emphasized that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are not harmless and pose particular risks to young people’s brain development and long-term health.

Health experts have also warned that partial bans or regulatory loopholes could undermine enforcement efforts, calling for comprehensive national policies.

How This Affects the Vape Industry

The upcoming ban represents a major shift for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers operating in or targeting the Vietnamese market. Businesses are expected to either exit the market or restructure operations ahead of the 2026 deadline.

Investors and supply-chain partners are advised to closely monitor upcoming government guidelines regarding enforcement, penalties, and inventory management.

Vietnam in the Regional Regulatory Landscape

Vietnam’s decision aligns with a broader Southeast Asian trend. Countries such as Singapore and Thailand have already implemented strict controls or outright bans on e-cigarettes, signaling a regional preference for aggressive nicotine regulation.

As global debates around vaping continue, Vietnam’s move may influence future regulatory approaches in other emerging markets.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s 2026 e-cigarette ban marks a decisive step toward stricter public health governance. Whether this policy will effectively curb youth vaping remains to be seen, but its impact on the global vape industry is undeniable.