President Laurentino Cortizo sanctioned Law 315 of June 30, 2022, which prohibits the use, importation and commercialization of electronic nicotine administration systems, electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, tobacco heaters and other similar devices, with or without nicotine, in Panama.
The proposal, presented by PRD deputy Crispiano Adames, had been approved on March 19, 2020, but was vetoed by the president. The legislature resumed the discussion of the vetoed document in August of that year, but it was approved in the third debate -again- on July 8, 2021.
The rule establishes, among other things, that the purchase or promotion of these devices over the Internet is also prohibited.
The importation of these products to free zones and free zones in Panama whose purpose is export to a third country is exempt from the prohibition.
The National Customs Authority is authorized to inspect, detain, seize and suspend the sale of electronic systems.
