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Several Southeast Asian countries are cracking down hard on vaping. Photo credit: Mike Mozart, CC2.0.
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Vaping is legal in Indonesia and Malaysia, but banned in Brunei. Photo credit: Ahmad Robin, Pexels.
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Nicotine liquids were exempted from Malaysia’s Poisons Act in 2023. Photo credit: Hamza Awan, Pexels.
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Vaping became illegal in Vietnam this year. Photo credit: Võ Văn Tiến, Pexels.
Southeast Asia is undergoing a wave of regulatory reform in the vaping and heated tobacco products (HTP) sector, with governments across the region taking sharply different approaches to the growing market. Driven by a combination of public health concerns, efforts to curb youth nicotine use, and broader economic and enforcement priorities, the result is a fragmented and rapidly evolving legal landscape that poses significant challenges for the industry.
Many countries across Southeast Asia are cracking down especially hard on vaping, with several nations imposing sweeping bans and pursing aggressive enforcement methods. Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, and Laos have already outlawed all e-cigarettes and vaping products, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for the products. In Thailand, authorities have recently intensified raids, seizing millions of dollars’ worth of illegal imports—part of a broader campaign to stamp out vaping in what government officials say is an attempt to reverse rising nicotine use in a new generation of youth.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) largest tobacco market, new national rules took effect in 2024 that treat vaping products nearly like combustible cigarettes. Health Law No. 17/2023 and Government Regulation No. 28/2024 categorize all e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products the same as traditional tobacco products.
That makes selling the products in the country complicated. Manufacturers and importers must register products and comply with nicotine limits. Packaging and marketing must carry cigarette style warnings and vapor products must have plain packaging. Vaping devices cannot be sold online or within 500 meters of schools or playgrounds, and single-stick sales of both traditional cigarettes and vapes (although, not sure it applies to a vape if someone buys a single disposable device) are banned. Interestingly, the minimum purchase age for vapes has been raised to 21, while it remains 18 for traditional cigarettes.
Heated tobacco products (such as Philip Morris International’s IQOS) are explicitly included under the tobacco law in Indonesia, too. Under the updated law, violations (selling to minors, unlicensed importation, etc.) carry fines and possible imprisonment, although specific penalties are handled case by case by authorities. Indonesian officials emphasize public health: Health Ministry regulators have noted the need to curb youth use and questioned whether even tighter limits might be needed. By contrast, non nicotine e-liquids were not separately banned and continue to circulate, though the new rules require all e cig packaging to be labeled as tobacco products.
The attack on vaping products, which have been proven to be less harmful than combustible cigarettes, is puzzling since traditional smoking remains endemic in Indonesia. WHO reports that about 34.5% of adults (mostly men) smoke, and nearly 1 in 5 children aged 13–15 are current smokers – so policymakers argue that regulated vaping offers an alternative. Indonesian vape industry groups welcomed the 2023 law as giving them a legal framework, calling it a “licensing” of vaping products.
Malaysia
Vaping is legal in Malaysia, however the market is under tight controls. In 2022, the parliament passed the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852, effective October 1, 2024) covering e-cigarettes and heated tobacco along with cigarettes. Under the act, all vape devices (nicotine or not) are classified as “smoking products” and must display government health warnings. The government exempted nicotine liquids from the Poisons Act in March 2023 so they could be taxed and introduced an excise in April 2023 of US$0.40 cents per milliliter. Authorities have banned retail display of tobacco and vape products (no visible items on counters or in shops) and outlawed online or vending-machine sales.
All vape and heated tobacco products must be registered, carry Indonesian-style graphic warnings (75% coverage) and fiscal stamps. Maximum nicotine content is being phased down (new limit 35mg/ml, dropping to 20mg/ml by 2025). Health minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad told media recently that laws “are never static” and could be tightened if needed. Civil society groups are pushing for a full ban, but Dzulkefly noted that enforcing the current law (and possible state or local measures) is the priority.
There have also been reports that multiple Malaysian states have moved to ban the sale of vaping products. The move marks a significant regional pushback against the rapidly expanding legal vape market. To date, four Malaysian states — Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan, and Perlis — have either enacted or will soon enact policies that effectively ban retail vape sales by refusing to issue business licenses. Meanwhile, three other states — Kedah, Penang, and Selangor — are currently considering similar measures. The state bans stop short of criminalizing possession or use; however, they severely limit legal retail access to vaping products.
Thailand
All vaping products remain completely banned. Thailand outlawed e-cigarettes (including nicotine-free vapes and heated tobacco sticks) years ago. Current laws treat possession of vapes as a Customs offense: anyone with vaping devices can be prosecuted for handling “smuggled” goods. The latest enforcement (2024) action warned tourists and locals that possession can lead to up to five years’ prison or fines four times the device’s value.
Dealers and importers face even harsher penalties: up to 10 years’ imprisonment or large fines (as per the Customs Act). The government’s policy is zero tolerance. Thailand even launched an aggressive new program that rewards citizens who report instances of e-cigarette use. Authorities believe that increasing public involvement can serve as an effective deterrent against e-cigarette use, particularly in areas where traditional enforcement methods may fall short.
Vietnam
On January 1, Vietnam imposed a complete ban on e-cigarettes and HTP. The National Assembly in late 2024 passed Resolution 173/2024, mandating total prohibition of e-cigarettes and HTP from 2025. All sales, imports, advertising, and use of vaping devices will be illegal. Under the new rules, anyone caught using or possessing vapes faces fines and penalties: users may be fined up to about VND2 million (US$79), while those importing, trading, or producing vape products can face fines up to VND3 billion or 15 years in prison, depending on quantity. Those caught bringing a vape into Vietnam (including tourists) will also be fined at checkpoints.
Philippines
Vaping is legal and regulated under the 2022 Vape Regulation Act (RA 11900) in the Philippines, with rules enforced from mid-2024. The law covers both nicotine and non-nicotine vaping products and also HTP. Key provisions include a minimum age of 18 for all vapor products, mandatory registration of every vape and HTP brand, and strict packaging requirements. The implementing regulations (issued in 2024) require full graphic health warnings on packs and forbid sales or promotions within 100 meters of schools. Vaping is banned in public spaces. Importers and manufacturers must affix official tax stamps to all vapor products.
Fines for violating RA 11900 are steep: manufacturers or retailers selling non-certified products can be fined PHP2-5 million (US$36,000–$90,000) and lose their licenses. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) set up a special office (OSMV) to oversee vapes and novelties. DTI secretary Fred Pascual warned businesses against “illegal acts of trading illicit vapes,” noting that violators will be prosecuted.
Singapore
E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are completely illegal in Singapore. Since 2018 all electronic nicotine devices are banned for use, sale, or import. Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, anyone convicted of selling, offering or importing vapes faces up to SGD10,000 (US$7,500) fine and/or up to 6 months’ imprisonment for a first offense; repeat offenders can be fined up to SGD20,000 and jailed up to 12 months.
Personal possession or use of vapes is also an offense punishable by up to SGD2,000 fine. Singapore enforces these laws vigorously at checkpoints and online. A high-profile campaign shows packs of nicotine vapes being destroyed or seized. The authorities believe vaping is harmful and addictive: the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) notes that vapes deliver high doses of nicotine and toxic substances and is currently reviewing whether tougher penalties are needed. Only about 11% of Singaporean adults smoke cigarettes, and vaping rates among youths remain very low under the ban.
Laos
Electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products are banned in Laos. The amended Tobacco Control Law prohibits the use, manufacture, import, export, transport or sale of vaping products. A 2020 amendment explicitly extended this ban to cover heated tobacco products, as well. Any use of vapes or HTP in public places is forbidden. In practice, authorities confiscate vape devices under anti-drug or tobacco laws, and users risk fines or detention. Reports suggest penalties on the order of LAK2 million (US$200) for possession.
Cambodia
Vapes are “effectively” illegal in Cambodia. In 2014, the National Authority for Combating Drugs issued Circular 001/14 banning the consumption, sale, and import of shisha and e cigarettes. Under that order, police and drug agencies must seize vape products and stop all trade in them. HTP are not specifically mentioned in the circular but would likely fall under the same ban. Despite this, illegal vape shops do occasionally appear in Phnom Penh and other cities, leading to periodic police raids and arrests, according to media reports. Offenders who are caught selling or using vapes can face detention under the anti-drug law. In short: no legal vaping market exists.
Myanmar
At present, Myanmar has no specific regulations on e-cigarettes or heated tobacco, and the 2006 Tobacco Control Law does not cover vapor devices. As a result, vaping products have entered the market relatively freely (often smuggled or sold via informal networks). Enforcement has been limited. The junta government’s policy on nicotine vaping remains unclear, though seizures of e-cigarettes at ports occasionally make news. For now, however, both nicotine and non-nicotine vapes exist in a legal gray zone, without licensing or age limits. No official penalties are prescribed, so violators are usually treated under general public nuisance or drug laws case by case.
Brunei
Brunei maintains one of the strictest anti-tobacco regimes in the region and has long banned e cigarettes and HTP. Brunei’s Tobacco Order and related regulations (amended in 2012) prohibit any sale or use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). In practice, that means no licensing for vape retailers; customs checkpoints confiscate any e-cigarette shipments. Violations can lead to prosecution under the Tobacco Control Order, with offenders facing fines and imprisonment (historically penalties for tobacco offenses are severe, though exact vape fines are not publicly detailed). Enforcement in recent years has been firm: authorities even warned that bringing vapes into the country – as goods or in luggage – is illegal.
Looking ahead
Southeast Asia’s patchwork of policies regulating the nicotine market isn’t expected to change anytime soon. Governments repeatedly cite youth protection and uncertain health effects as reasons for restriction, when several studies have the health effects of vaping are much less than the impacts of combustible tobacco smoke. Studies have also shown that a regulated vaping market can help existing smokers quit smoking. Major health bodies (WHO, ASEAN Tobacco Control Alliance, Bloomberg Initiative grantees) have generally supported the bans or tight limits, warning of youth uptake.
Industry players counter that overly strict bans may push users back to deadly cigarettes or to a black market. As of mid-2025, no ASEAN countries are planning to legalize vaping beyond existing frameworks. The reality is that trends point to stricter enforcement (Singapore/Thailand regulatory reviews, Malaysia’s display ban, Vietnam’s 2025 total ban) and incremental tightening of packaging, taxation and age rules.
So, it seems likely that combustible cigarette smoking will remain widespread across much of Southeast Asia. WHO data shows that male adult combustible smoking rates in Singapore and Brunei (with strong tobacco controls) are below 12%. However, smoking rates exceed 60% in Indonesia and Myanmar, are around 40–50% in Vietnam and Cambodia, and are roughly 20–30% in Malaysia and Thailand. These smoking baselines help explain many regulatory choices. Countries with high tobacco burdens (Indonesia, Philippines) tend to allow vaping with strict regulations, while those with aggressive anti-tobacco policies (Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei, Laos) have opted to ban vapes outright.
It’s difficult to provide a precise number of daily deaths in ASEAN countries from tobacco-related diseases. However, the Asia Pacific Heart Network states that the Asia-Pacific region, which includes ASEAN countries, experiences 2.3 million tobacco-related deaths annually. This translates to approximately 6,300 deaths per day in the region. Those numbers are expected to remain the same for the foreseeable future.