Mexico's Congress approved a bill that would punish the sale of electronic cigarettes and similar devices with up to eight years in prison. The Senate backed the measure 67-37 after the lower chamber's approval, and the bill now awaits President Claudia Sheinbaum's signature. Supporters say the law protects young people and closes loopholes; opponents warn vague wording could enable abuses by authorities.
Mexico Moves To Criminalize Vape Sales: Congress Approves Up To Eight Years Behind Bars
Mexico is now poised to join a handful of countries with laws imposing criminal penalties related to vaping (Nicolas TUCAT)(Nicolas TUCAT/AFP/AFP)
Mexico's Congress gave final approval on Wednesday to a bill that would impose penalties of up to eight years in prison for selling electronic cigarettes and related devices. The measure now goes to President Claudia Sheinbaum's desk to be signed into law.
The Senate approved the legislation on a 67-37 vote, one day after the lower chamber passed the measure, putting Mexico among a small number of countries that attach criminal sanctions to vaping-related sales and distribution.
Supporters, primarily lawmakers from President Sheinbaum's Morena party, say the reform is designed to protect young people from nicotine addiction and close legal loopholes that allowed e-cigarettes to be promoted as safe. Critics warn the bill's vague language could open the door to arbitrary enforcement and abuses by authorities.
Senate President Laura Itzel Castillo said the reform "prohibits electronic cigarettes and other similar systems or devices."
An official 2023 survey estimated about 2.1 million vape users in Mexico out of a population of roughly 132 million. If signed into law, the measure would significantly change Mexico's approach to vaping and could prompt legal and regulatory debates over enforcement, definitions and public-health trade-offs.
Next Steps: Once the president signs the bill, authorities and courts will face the task of interpreting the statute's language, defining which products are covered, and determining penalties for sellers and distributors.
