Mexico implements comprehensive e-cigarette ban

Starting today (January 16), Mexico has completely banned the sales, import and marketing of e-cigarettes and atomizing equipment. The ban stems from the amendment to the Public Health Law published in the Official Gazette of the Mexican Federation. The new regulations impose an absolute ban on all e-cigarette equipment, including disposable e-cigarettes, rechargeable e-cigarettes and nicotine-free e-cigarettes, as well as related accessories and substances, and prohibit any form of advertising or promotion in all media. Personal possession and consumption remain legal as long as commercial purposes are not involved; however, violators of the new rules could face one to eight years in prison and fines of up to 2000 times the average daily unit of measure (UMA) value. The health department also has the right to seize illegal products and close illegal places.