According to the Colombian media El Nuevo Siglo reported on May 15, Colombian President Gustavo Petro approved new legislation regulating the use of electronic cigarette devices in Colombia in order to protect public health, especially the health of minors. The law, known as the Anti-Tobacco Law 2.0, prohibits the direct or indirect sale of e-cigarettes and vaping devices to minors within the country.
The Anti-Tobacco Law 2.0, which went into effect on May 9, is an amendment to the anti-Tobacco Law 1335 of 2009 designed to accommodate the emerging use of e-cigarette devices and electronic nicotine delivery systems. Through legislative changes, these devices are now subject to the same regulations as traditional tobacco products.
Senator Jose David Nahm, the initiator of the initiative, stressed that the new law represents a significant advance in the protection of public health in Colombia. “We have put in more than 15 years of work to ensure adequate regulation of tobacco products, and now they have regulations that are adapted to the new reality and in line with World Health Organization (WHO) standards,” he said.
“This law opens up space to develop strategies about the potential impact of these devices on people’s health,” explained Senator Nahm. In addition, he added that health and education programs will be developed specifically for children and young people in the country, with the aim of educating people about the risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
The legislation also recognizes the rights of consumers by ensuring that they have access to information on the consumption of tobacco products and their derivatives, as well as prevention and cessation programs. The Department of Health and Social Care will be responsible for designing and carrying out education campaigns on the potential health effects and risks of using these devices.
In terms of the implementation of the law, the application of certain provisions gives a transition period in order for the industry to adapt and facilitate compliance with the new regulations. The Act takes effect immediately upon enactment and repeals any prior legislation that conflicts with its provisions.