Union Health Ministry Takes Strong Measures to Curb Illegal E-Cigarette Sales Online and on Social Media

NEW-DELHI: In a concerted effort to enforce the nationwide ban on e-cigarettes, the Union Health Ministry has taken swift action by sending notices to 15 websites engaged in selling and promoting these prohibited products. The government is leaving no stone unturned to crack down on businesses flouting the ban through online platforms and social media accounts. Additionally, six other websites are also under close surveillance for similar activities.

The notices served by the Health Ministry explicitly direct the 15 websites to cease all e-cigarette sales and advertising with immediate effect. Simultaneously, the ministry is closely monitoring social media channels to identify and target entities involved in the unauthorized sale of e-cigarettes. A government official revealed that if any of the websites fail to respond to the notice or comply with the law, the Health Ministry will escalate the matter to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, seeking appropriate action against the offenders. Legal consequences will also be pursued against these websites for non-compliance.

In 2019, the Indian government introduced the Electronic Cigarette Prohibition (Production, Manufacture, Export, Import, Movement, Sale, Distribution, Storage, and Advertisement) Act, imposing a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes in the country. According to the Act, the sale of e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited on Indian soil.

The Health Ministry's notice to the identified websites underscores that their actions are in direct violation of Section 4 of the Electronic Cigarette Prohibition Act. By displaying, publishing, broadcasting, and selling e-cigarettes on their platforms, these websites are engaging in unlawful activities. The ministry cited Section 79 (3) (b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Government Notification dated 15 November 2021, which mandate terminating access to such content and sharing evidence for appropriate legal action.