E-cigarettes still openly used, sold online in Ho Chi Minh City despite ban

On social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, vendors continue advertising and selling e-cigarette devices, pods, and vaping liquids under disguised names like 'fruit syrup,' 'nose inhalers,' or 'aroma machines.'

Some livestream sellers hide the products among everyday items such as toothbrushes and perfume to evade detection.

A Facebook group dedicated to trading e-cigarettes in Ho Chi Minh City has over 13,000 members and features daily posts offering both new and used vaping devices, with prices ranging from around VND100,000 (US$3.87) to over VND1 million ($38.7).

Meanwhile, many young people continue using e-cigarettes in public spaces.

At cafés around central districts like District 1, it is common to see groups of two to four young adults sitting close together, chatting and sharing vape devices or pods.

Some are even seen exhaling vapor directly to one another.

“I know it’s banned, but I haven’t been able to quit,” said B.K., a 21-year-old regular user.

“I always keep some vape juice at home and ask friends to buy more through reliable sources if I run out."

B.K. admitted to experiencing occasional chest pain from prolonged use but said quitting was difficult as the habit had become part of his daily routine.

The persistent visibility of e-cigarette use and sales has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the ban.

The Ministry of Health has proposed fines of VND1–2 million ($38.7–77.38) for individuals caught possessing or using e-cigarettes or heated tobacco.

Repeat violations could result in doubled fines and confiscation of the products.

The penalties are part of a draft amendment to health regulations following a November 2024 resolution passed by the National Assembly, which prohibits the production, trade, import, storage, transport, and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, as well as other addictive substances deemed harmful to human health starting January 1.