The Union Cabinet has given the approval to ban e-cigarettes in the country, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. The production, manufacturing, import/export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertising related to e-cigarettes will be banned, Ms. Sitharaman said, during a press conference following a Cabinet meeting. The government will be bringing an ordinance in this regard.

As per the draft Bill, the offence will be punishable with jail of up to one year or fine up to Rs. 1 lakh or both for first-time offenders, and jail of up to three years and fine up to Rs. 5 lakh for repeat offenders. Storage of e-cigarettes shall also be punishable with imprisonment of up to six months or fine up to Rs. 50,000 or both.

The Union Cabinet has given the approval to ban e-cigarettes in the country, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. The production, manufacturing, import/export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertising related to e-cigarettes will be banned, Ms. Sitharaman said, during a press conference following a Cabinet meeting. The government will be bringing an ordinance in this regard.

As per the draft Bill, the offence will be punishable with jail of up to one year or fine up to Rs. 1 lakh or both for first-time offenders, and jail of up to three years and fine up to Rs. 5 lakh for repeat offenders. Storage of e-cigarettes shall also be punishable with imprisonment of up to six months or fine up to Rs. 50,000 or both.