| Cigarettes Are Cigarettes: Regulatory Equalization of E-Cigarettes, Vapes, and Similar Products In response to growing concerns about the use and advertising of e-cigarettes, vapes, and alternative nicotine products, the Colombian government has officially equated these devices with traditional cigarettes, tobacco products, and their derivatives under Law 2354 of 2024, which will take effect on May 9, 2025. From that date, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), Similar Non-Nicotine Systems (SNNS), Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), and Oral Nicotine Products (ONPs) must comply with the same restrictions governing cigarette promotion and sale. These include the ban on advertising directed at minors, the prohibition of messages linking smoking to success or popularity, and the restriction on misleading descriptors such as “light” or “mild.” Furthermore, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, through Resolution 624 of April 8, 2025, updated the Manual for the Signage of 100% Smoke-Free and Aerosol-Free Environments, extending its application to workplaces and public spaces. Lastly, the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce, by Resolution 30838 of May 22, 2025, mandated that all such products must include clear information in Spanish regarding usage, lifespan, safety warnings, maintenance, and warranty. With these measures, Colombia moves toward a comprehensive regulatory framework that strengthens transparency, public health, and consumer protection in the face of emerging nicotine-based products. |
