Members of the Palau Senate in February voted unanimously to pass the proposed bill that prohibits the manufacturing, importation, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes was passed on first reading this week.
Senate Bill 11-74, now House Bill 11-67-7S, HD2, SD1 stated that the use of e-cigarettes or vapes is spreading and that passage of the law would protect the “ health and welfare of the citizen.”
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), e-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine – the addictive drug in regular cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products—flavorings, and other chemicals that help to make the aerosol.
E-cigarettes, according to the bill are just as harmful as tobacco and will have negative effects on cardiovascular health.
The bill seeks the inclusion of e-cigarettes in the Tobacco Control Act.
The bill wants e-cigarettes to be banned from advertising and promoting, the same as tobacco products.
The bill also prohibits e-cigarette sponsorship of any event in the country.
The Senate also agreed through a floor amendment.
Both the House and Senate introduced their own proposed changes, including extended prohibitions on advertising.
The bill says that advertising or marketing to likely appeal to children is prohibited. Tobacco and e-cigarette sponsorship is also prohibited. Travelers to Palau are also banned from carrying e-cigarettes and if they bring it, voluntarily surrendering it would not mean a fine.
