Overview
- The Senate approved the General Health Law reform in a 76–37 plenary vote after a fast‑track push through committees that advanced it 23–10 in under an hour.
- The measure outlaws the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, supply, and advertising of electronic cigarettes, vape devices, and analogous products nationwide.
- Penalties range from one to eight years in prison and fines up to 2,000 UMAs (about 226,280 pesos) for those who produce or commercialize these products.
- Individual consumption and possession for personal use are explicitly exempt from sanctions.
- Backers cite youth health risks, noting about 1.63 million students reported vaping in 2024, while opposition lawmakers and advocates warn the ban will fuel a black market, with one group estimating roughly 5.2 million disposable devices are purchased monthly.