Police in Mộc Châu District, Sơn La Province uncover a previously untraceable e-cigarette business. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has asked ministries, agencies and local authorities, to jointly enforce stricter measures regulating electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and heated tobacco products.

While acknowledging that these type of products have led to curbs on traditional cigarette use, with an average annual decrease of 0.5 per cent among male smokers, the PM expressed concern about the complexities of e-cigarette and heated tobacco use, particularly among the younger population and their adverse health effects.

The Ministry of Health has been tasked with intensifying public education about the risks associated with these products.

The Ministry of Finance has been asked to oversee strict custom inspections to prevent the smuggling of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, along with other targeted initiatives to combat smuggling operations.

Border guard forces have been instructed to ramp up patrols to detect and deter illegal trading and transportation of these products across borders.

The Ministry of Public Security is being asked to focus on dismantling smuggling networks and prosecuting individuals involved in the illegal trade of these type of cigarettes.

While the Ministry of Industry and Trade is being urged to implement measures to strengthen market management and impose strict penalties for trafficking, storage and transportation of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco.

Media agencies and local people's committees are being asked to help increase public awareness with campaigns on the dangers of using e-cigarettes and heated tobacco.

The National Steering Committee on Anti-smuggling, Counterfeit Goods, and Trade Fraud (Committee 389) will be overseeing the implementation of the tasks across ministries, sectors and localities.

Provincial authorities will be enforcing the new crackdown at the local level, with Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà overseeing implementation. — VNS