New Delhi, Sept 27 (KNN) The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has said in a notification that import of electronic cigarettes (E-Cigarettes) or even its parts or components is now prohibited.

The DGFT said that Import of e-cigarettes or any parts such or components thereof such as refill pods, atomisers, cartridges etc including all forms of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Heat not Burn Products, e-Hookah and the like devices by whatever name and shape, size or form it may have, but does not include any product licensed under the Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940…is prohibited in accordance with the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Exports, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Ordinance, 2019.

Meanwhile, India's ban on electronic cigarettes has been challenged in a court in Kolkata, marking the start of the first legal battle against the anti-vaping decision.

Two separate challenges have been filed in the Kolkata high court, by e-cigarette importer Plume Vapour and another company named Woke Vapors, according to court listing records publicly available online.

The government argues the e-cigarette ban is essential to protect people, especially young people, saying vaping can lead to nicotine addiction and push users towards consuming tobacco.

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