E-cigarettes Mimicking Toys and Beverage Containers

E-commerce platforms are inundated with e-cigarettes priced between VND100,000-200,000 (US$4-8) each, often designed to resemble colorful cartoon animals. Hoang, a vendor in Go Vap District, HCMC, offers products that look like teddy bear key chains or milk boxes, shipping them nationwide.

These disguised e-cigarettes are easily found with instructions and reviews on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Social media groups with over 10,000 members daily sell these products, primarily to young customers.

Rising Sales and Regulatory Challenges

A vendor in District 12 reported importing batches of 500-1,000 products each, with sales rising 20% this year due to attractive new models.

The National Assembly approved a ban on all e-cigarettes, effective January 1, after health authorities warned of their negative impacts, including addiction and health issues affecting nerves, lungs, and the cardiac system. Market authorities claim most e-cigarettes are smuggled into the country, with over 16,000 products worth VND5.4 billion confiscated in HCMC in the first half of the year.