About
- The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA) is a Central law that prohibits the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement of electronic cigarettes in India.
Objective
- To prevent the use of electronic cigarettes and similar nicotine-delivery devices, particularly among young people, and protect public health.
What are Electronic Cigarettes?
- Electronic cigarettes are devices that heat a substance to create an aerosol for inhalation.
- They may include:
- E-cigarettes
- Vapes
- Vape pens
- E-hookahs
- Other similar devices
Electronic cigarette vs conventional cigarette
| Conventional cigarette | E-cigarette |
| Burns tobacco | Heats a liquid/substance |
| Produces smoke | Produces aerosol |
| Combustion involved | No conventional combustion |
What Products are Covered?
- The definition is broader than just devices called “e-cigarettes”.
- It covers:
- Electronic cigarettes
- ENDS — Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
- Heat-not-burn products
- E-hookahs
- Similar devices
Conclusion
- PECA, 2019 creates a comprehensive prohibition on electronic cigarettes and related activities in India, but it should not be confused with COTPA, which primarily deals with tobacco products.
| This concept has been elaborately discussed in the following article – Nicotine Pouches and India’s Regulatory Gap |