During the regular meeting in Chamber of Deputiesthe PRI legislator Ruben Moreira made an urgent call for the parliamentary majority to stop and review the e-cigarette initiative.
The MP warned that the crime proposed in the reform could lead to this ambiguous interpretations and, even worse, it provides scope for blackmail by the authorities.
Moreira asked to pause before the vote: “I would ask the majority to think about the type of punishment that is there because maybe it is not what you want.” but that is what will be interpreted“, he remarked.
He explained that some agents might do this if a young person was arrested with a vape pen “frame” non-existent criminal behavior to put pressure on him: “At least for extortion, at least to take a little money. Be careful what you’re going to vote for. Be very careful because it’s dangerous.”
Lawmakers insisted the problem lies not with the health intent of the reform, but with how it is worded and what impact it could have unforeseen consequences from those who advocate an almost total ban on these devices.
The reform proposal for General health law aims to impose a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, import, export, sale, distribution, promotion and advertising of e-cigarettes and similar devices.
The measure focuses its power on sanctioning these individuals participate in the marketnot to the users.
According to the opinion, actions such as the production or marketing of these products are considered serious violations, punishable by a penalty of 1 to 8 years in prison and fines that can exceed 226,000 pesos.
Furthermore, the COFEPRIS would be given greater powers to secure goods on site.
The framework does not provide for prison sentences for consumers; Information is included where applicable Health, warnings and awareness campaigns.
The project makes an important distinction: heated tobacco systems, such as IQOSare still subject to a different regulation because they are classified as permissible tobacco products under current law.
- Ambiguity in criminal type that could lead to misuse or misinterpretation.
- Risk of blackmail, especially against young people who carry e-cigarettes.
- Increase in the illegal market with products without regulation or health controls.
- Shifting consumption towards permitted but equally risky devices.
- Unfinished debate on whether to ban or regulate to achieve better traceability and control.
The legislation too Mute progresses at a steady pace.
The Chamber of Deputies has already approved the associated reforms total ban on its commercializationProduction and import.
The opinion was sent to the Senate, where a final vote is expected, although Morena lawmakers left the vote open. Possibility of change some points to avoid sanctions for consumers.
The debate comes during an important week in San Lázaro, where other priority reforms are also being discussed, such as: Law on general import and export taxes and the circular economy law.
In this context, the vaping initiative remains one of the most controversial proposals of this time, with a growing consensus on protecting young peoplealbeit with disagreements over the scope and application of its sanctions.
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