Panama’s Ministry of Health has announced the entry into force of strict regulations aimed at governing e-cigarettes and vaping products, with the goal of protecting public health, especially that of young people.

According to the announcement, the new regulation imposes severe restrictions on the sale, import, and advertising of vaping devices, including both nicotine and non nicotine containing products. The measure explicitly bans the use of appealing flavors and heavily restricts the promotion of these products, particularly through social media and online platforms.

The Ministry justified the decision by citing the rising use of e-cigarettes among adolescents and the potential health risks linked to inhaling harmful chemicals.

This regulatory crackdown aligns with a global trend in which several countries are adopting restrictive measures on alternative tobacco products. Panama thus joins a growing list of nations prioritizing prevention over the liberalization of the vaping market.