Bhutan imported 186,916 units of e-cigarettes, valued at Nu 9.7 million, from January to September this year

Jigmi Wangdi

The increasing use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vaping in the country is leading to severe health problems among users, particularly the youth.

Recently two teenagers were diagnosed with pneumothorax, or collapsed lungs, at a Thimphu hospital. Upon investigation, it was discovered that both had been vaping e-cigarettes.

Similarly, medical professionals reported around 15 cases of teenagers developing cysts in their lungs due to vaping.

There has also been a notable increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases among young people. Many of these TB cases were asymptomatic and came to light only during medical screenings required for visa applications to Australia and Canada.

In most of these cases, individuals had either smoked cigarettes or vaped.

Initially marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking and a tool for quitting, e-cigarettes have rapidly gained popularity. However, the unrestricted sale of e-cigarettes is exposing younger generations to the harmful and growing trend of vaping.

The U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention categorises illnesses linked to vaping under the term e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI).

While global awareness on vaping-related health risks is increasing, Bhutan is trailing behind in implementing robust regulations to address the growing threat.

In neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Singapore, and India, the sale of e-cigarettes has been banned since 2014, 2018, and 2019, respectively. However, vaping still persists in these countries, with Thailand reporting its first case of EVALI this November. According to the Bangkok Post, a 32-year-old man was hospitalised after coughing up blood, his condition later deteriorating into acute and severe pneumonia.

In Bhutan, the sale of e-cigarettes is legal due to ambiguities in the Tobacco Control Act 2021, which does not explicitly classify e-cigarettes as tobacco products. As a result, most e-cigarettes are imported under the category of electronic gadgets.

This regulatory loophole means that e-cigarettes face a mere five percent sales tax and a 10 percent customs duty, while traditional tobacco products are subjected to a 100 percent sales tax.

Data from Bhutan Trade Statistics show a dramatic surge in e-cigarette imports over the years. In 2022, only 994 units were imported. By 2023, that number skyrocketed to 25,533 units, with a combined value of Nu 2.9 million for the two years.

From January to September 2024 alone, imports of e-cigarettes reached a staggering 186,916 units, valued at Nu 9.7 million. This is a sevenfold increase in volume and a 232 percent rise in value compared to the previous two years combined.

The dramatic rise in both the quantity and value of e-cigarette imports reflects its growing popularity, particularly among Bhutanese youth.

Meanwhile, medical professionals warn of the dire health implications of using e-cigarettes. “Without immediate measures, many Bhutanese youth could face major health problems because of unchecked use of e-cigarettes,” said a medical doctor. 

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