Mexico's Chamber of Deputies has approved constitutional reforms implementing a total ban on the use, sale, and distribution of vapes and electronic cigarettes nationwide. The measure, backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum's initiative, passed with 324 votes in favor and 129 against. The new legislation imposes severe penalties, including prison sentences of one to eight years for selling these devices.
The reform amends the General Health Law to prohibit the acquisition, production, manufacturing, commercial transport, storage, import, export, distribution, sale, and supply of e-cigarettes and similar devices across Mexico. It also bans all advertising and promotion. Financial penalties for violations range from 100 to 2,000 times the daily value of the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA), equating to fines between approximately 11,314 and 226,280 pesos ($621 to $12,430 USD).
The initiative explicitly recognizes vaping as a "threat to public health," aiming to reduce dependency and protect vulnerable groups. However, opposition lawmakers strongly criticized the move, arguing it will "open the door" to organized crime. Deputy IraÃs Reyes of the Citizens' Movement party warned, "Not regulating a product that people already consume equals more black market and more money for narcos." She also accused pro-government legislators who vape of hypocrisy.
This ban reinforces Mexico's position as having some of the world's strictest anti-tobacco laws. Since January 2023, tobacco products have been hidden from view in stores, advertising is banned, and smoking is prohibited in most public spaces, including patios, terraces, beaches, and parks.
