Brazil’s Ban Is Failing
According to new data from the World Vapers’ Alliance, Brazil’s vape ban is failing as vaping has surged by 600%
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by Dave Cross
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The most recent data from IPEC shows that vaping in Brazil has increased by 600% since 2018, despite a total ban on e-cigarettes. This proves that, even under prohibition, demand for safer alternatives to smoking is strong. Instead of disappearing, vaping has simply moved to the illegal market, creating more risks for consumers.
With reference to electronic smoking devices, the UK government says: “All electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are illegal in Brazil, including refills, parts and accessories. Customs officials have the authority to confiscate any vape products found in travellers’ luggage (both checked in and carry on) during inspections.”
A member of Reddit has previously warned vapers, writing: “Just for information more than anything, flying out of GIG (Rio) today on an internal flight. Security went through my backpack after it had been scanned.
“The guy couldn’t find what he was looking for, but eventually said “e-cigarette?”, so I dug into my bag and found it, thinking perhaps he wanted to check the battery or something. But he tells me it’s forbidden and confiscates my vape device.
“I did ask him why, and he handed me a printout of some law that came in in April 2024, saying the transport of them was no longer allowed.
“Although I knew they are not legal to sell here, I’ve been told very recently that possessing one is fine, as is bringing your nicotine juices from another country - it’s just not legal for anyone to sell these things. It seems they are now enforcing a ban quite directly.
“I wasn’t devastated because I actually ran out of juice two or three weeks back and had decided to try quitting it anyway. From what I’ve read though, anybody bringing these things into the country or trying to fly internally with them will have them confiscated if found.”
The World Vapers’ Alliance says that at the same time as the country is cracking down on vapes, Brazil’s smoking rate is falling by just 0.4% per year. Without better policies, it could take decades to achieve significant reductions in smoking.
Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, said: “Brazil’s experience makes it clear: prohibition doesn’t stop people from vaping, it just makes it less safe. Smokers want and need alternatives that are less harmful than cigarettes. A well-regulated market for vaping would protect consumers and help reduce smoking rates much faster.”
Amanda de Matos, WVA’s Brazilian Social Media Manager, added: “Our current ban is failing both smokers and public health. Brazil should follow successful harm reduction models and give smokers access to regulated, safer products. It’s time to put people’s health first and demand science-based policies.”
The World Vapers’ Alliance urges Brazilian policymakers to introduce sensible regulation for vaping and other safer nicotine products to protect consumers and accelerate progress in reducing smoking.
The World Vapers' Alliance says it “amplifies the voices of vapers around the world and empowers them to make a difference in their communities. Our members are vaper associations as well as individual vapers from all over the world.”
References:
- The World Vapers' Alliance - www.worldvapersalliance.com
Photo Credit:
Photo by Rafaela Biazi on Unsplash
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.
