Overview
- Deputies scheduled a plenary discussion for Tuesday on a reform to the General Health Law that is expected to advance this week.
- The commission-approved draft envisions a blanket prohibition on manufacturing, importing, exporting, distributing, selling, advertising and using e‑cigarettes, with penalties of one to eight years in prison and fines of 100–200 UMA.
- Concerns over criminalizing consumers prompted plans to revise Article 282 Quáter to specify sanctions for acquisition with commercial intent and all acts of commercialization.
- Ricardo Monreal said users will not face detention and would receive warnings as authorities emphasize awareness campaigns, while penalties would fall on producers, sellers and commercializers.
- Proponents frame the measure as protecting the right to health and safeguarding children and adolescents, with Health Ministry oversight included within a broader health law overhaul.