Egypt Lifts Ban on Vaping: What This Will Mean for Their Smokers

There are approximately 13.9 million current smokers in Egypt, with 61,295 people dying every year due to tobacco smoking in the country.

Tobacco smoking is a prevalent health problem in The Arab Republic of Egypt, with the most updated prevalence of tobacco smoking at 22% in 2010 and increasing. Egypt has the largest population of tobacco users and the highest cigarette consumption per capita in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region.

Egypt Lifts Ban on E-cigarettes

In 2011, the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population’s High Technical Committee of Drugs prohibited the marketing, registration, and importation of electronic cigarettes into Egypt. The local vape ban resulted in a myriad of illegal vape shops across the country that sold the product and its accessories, often smuggled into the country.

Recently, Egyptian authorities announced the allowance of legal import and commercialisation of e-cigarettes in the country. With the lifting of the ban, Egypt joined other Middle East & North Africa (MENA) regional markets, such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which have legalised and commercialised the consumption of e-cigarettes.

It is important to note, Snus, nicotine pouches are also legal in the country.

What The End of The Ban Could Mean For Smokers

The legal change effectively means that millions of smokers and nicotine users in Egypt will have access to less harmful nicotine alternatives, effectively reducing the adverse health effects of tobacco smoking. The progressive approach to e-cigarettes is a win for public health. It sets the stage for the Egyptian government to implement regulations and safety standards for vaping products. These standards will ensure that products on the market are safe, high-quality, and properly labelled, protecting consumers and, ultimately, reducing smoking rates.