How is the situation of vaping in South America? There is certainly a growing insterest, as shown also by some first-edition international vaping fairs hosted by different countries of the continent in recent years. But don’t forget the regulatory landscape: see here a brief summary!

In recent years, South America hosted some first-edition international vaping fairs in different countries of the continent; the events are named Vape South America Expo and are organized by VapeConventions.com which works worldwide to grow and expand the vaping sector.
In 2019, the convention recorded good results in all editions: around 70-100 exhibitors attended the three events that took place in Asunción – Paraguay, Medellín – Colombia and Lima – Peru. In particular, Medellín recorded a valuable growth in visitors : from approximately 4000 visitors in the first 2017 edition, in 2019 the fair was visited by 10,000 people. The 2020 edition will be held from 22 to 23 February in Medellín.

There are numerous countries where e-cig is strictly prohibited: Argentina, Brasil, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Also in Colombia there is a decree prohibiting the import, distribution, sale and marketing of electronic cigarettes. Nevertheless, the country hosts one of the most important exhibitions on the continent and there are also numerous vaping stores in the most populated areas of the state, particularly in Medellin.

A clearer situation applies to Paraguay, where e-cigs are allowed and regulated as tobacco products. Paraguay is the second country where the Vape South America Expo landed: the first edition was held in January 2019, counting around 70 exhibitors . The date for the 2020 edition has not yet been set.
In Paraguay there are few vaping shops, mainly in Asunción.

In Chile, e-cigs are regulated as pharmaceutical products and their sale must be authorized by the ANAMED agency. To date, no e-cigarette product has been registered and it is not known what regulations will be imposed. Currently, no limitation appears to apply to the use, sale, import or possession of electronic cigarette products.
There are only a few vaping stores found in Chile.

Currently it seems that no regulations or restrictions on electronic cigarettes are to be applied in Peru, too. Vape South America Expo was first held here in October 2019, with 100 expositors. There are few stores in Peru in the Lima district.

The situation in South America seems to be rather complicated: in countries where e-cig is not prohibited, the request of vaping products is certainly growing, but it must face the uncertainty of markets, characterized by the strong presence of black channels and the low spending power of a large segment of the population, and unhelped by unclear regulations.