Vaping regulation in Colombia: another success of citizenship

On March 6th, 2024, Colombia enacted a pivotal law requiring warnings on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), Electronic Systems without Nicotine Supply (SSSN), and heated tobacco products (HTP).1House of RepresentativesGazette 297.https://www.camara.gov.co/vapeadoresDate: 2024Date accessed: March 29, 2024Google Scholar This amendment to the Anti-Tobacco Law effectively aligns vaping devices and electronic cigarettes with conventional tobacco, mandating neutral labeling and health warning messages, as well as taxation. Additionally, it prohibits their advertising and promotion, sales to minors, and restricts their use indoor public spaces. Evidence suggests measures like restricting flavors for minors and raising prices reduce the use of electronic nicotine products, but the impact of taxation and age restrictions is uncertain, and indoor vape-free laws have mixed results.2Yan D. Wang Z. Laestadius L. et al.A systematic review for the impacts of global approaches to regulating electronic nicotine products.J Glob Health. 2023; 1304076https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.13.04076Crossref Scopus (2) Google Scholar Of particular significance is the pivotal role of local research and civil society, alongside the dissemination of information through academic societies. Local research, civil society, and academic networks serve as cornerstones for evidence-based decision-making in Colombia, where vaping is prevalent among middle and upper-class individuals.3Malagón-Rojas J. Toloza Y. Idrovo J.A. Niederbacher-Velazquez J. Initial insights on vaping-associated illnesses in Colombia: evidence for action.J Bras Pneumol. 2023; ([cited 2023 Jan]; In press)https://doi.org/10.36416/1806-3756/e20230130Crossref Scopus (0) Google Scholar As evidenced by local studies, this phenomenon disproportionately affects not only young people but also older age groups, distinguishing it from trends observed in other countries.3Malagón-Rojas J. Toloza Y. Idrovo J.A. Niederbacher-Velazquez J. Initial insights on vaping-associated illnesses in Colombia: evidence for action.J Bras Pneumol. 2023; ([cited 2023 Jan]; In press)https://doi.org/10.36416/1806-3756/e20230130Crossref Scopus (0) Google Scholar In this way, regional investigation provides useful information which is used as a pivotal by both, civil society and policymakers to enact informed regulations aimed at safeguarding public health, avoiding the pressure of the big tobacco industry. Colombia's adoption of comprehensive regulation for electronic cigarettes catapults the nation to the forefront of global efforts in this arena. By establishing a robust framework, the legislation ensures the implementation of state mechanisms for monitoring and tracking consumption patterns, combating smuggling, and safeguarding public health. Moreover, as highlighted by recent global research, the regulatory landscape surrounding electronic cigarettes varies widely across countries. While 68 countries have implemented regulations, the most common forms include sale bans, use restrictions in public places, age-of-purchase requirements, and advertising and promotion bans.2Yan D. Wang Z. Laestadius L. et al.A systematic review for the impacts of global approaches to regulating electronic nicotine products.J Glob Health. 2023; 1304076https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.13.04076Crossref Scopus (2) Google Scholar,4Pan American Health OrganizationReport on tobacco Control for the region of the Americas, 2022. Pan American Health Organization, 2023https://doi.org/10.37774/9789275127032Crossref Google Scholar However, it is troubling that a few nations still adhere to outdated legislation established before the advent of these products. It is noteworthy that Colombia's proactive stance on electronic cigarette regulation contrasts with the recent outcome of the Tenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, held in Panama in February 2024, where consensus on global e-cigarette policies was not achieved. Instead, the discussion was postponed for the COP11. Colombia's forward-thinking approach underscores the importance of national leadership in addressing emerging public health challenges. This legislative triumph follows seven years of efforts, amidst a surge in electronic cigarette use across all age groups. Civil society, represented by groups like RedPapaz and Anáas Foundation, alongside scientific societies, shaped legislation. This synergy extended to establishing regulations for labeling ultra-processed foods in 2023, underscoring collaborative efforts on legislative evolution.5RedPapazEtiquetado de advertencia octogonal: el más eficaz en Colombia para disminuir la compra de productos ultraprocesados con exceso de nutrientes críticos para la salud [Octagonal warning labeling: the most effective in Colombia to reduce the purchase of ultra-processed products with excess critical nutrients for health]. RedPapaz, 2022https://www.redpapaz.org/etiquetado-de-advertencia-octogonal-el-mas-eficaz-en-colombia-para-disminuir-la-compra-de-productos-ultraprocesados-con-exceso-de-nutrientes-criticos-para-la-salud/Date accessed: March 7, 2024Google Scholar Colombia's proactive approach to electronic cigarette regulation sets a vital precedent for global health. JMR conceived and wrote the manuscript. The author declares no conflicts of interest and has not received funding or sponsorship from the tobacco industry. Funding: This work received no financial support or sponsorship.