Steps initiated to ban production, sale of e-cigarettes: Delhi govt to HC

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) apprised HC by way of an affidavit that preparation of e-cigarettes and e-liquids containing nicotine is contrary to the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (DCA).

Published On Aug 9, 2018 at 07:22 AM IST

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government informed the Delhi high court that it has initiated steps to completely ban the production, sale and supply of e-cigarettes and steps are being taken to create public awareness in this regard.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) apprised HC by way of an affidavit that preparation of e-cigarettes and e-liquids containing nicotine is contrary to the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (DCA).

DGHS, which falls under Delhi government’s health department, put forward its stand in response to a plea seeking to regulate the sale and consumption of e-cigarettes, which will now come up on August 21. In its reply, DGHS said that only a certain kind of nicotine preparation is allowed under the DCA. Electronic, vapour, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), ecigarettes and e-liquids do not fall in the categories of preparations that are allowed under the Act.

“Therefore, the trade, commerce, production, supply and distribution of these substances would be prohibited under the DCA,” it explained. E-cigarettes are handheld devices which help to create the feeling of tobacco smoking. Various makers of the device say the e-liquid inside the device heats up when activated and creates an aerosolised vapour, which provides a flavour similar to tobacco thereby helping smokers steer away from tobacco.