New Delhi, Dec 29 (KNN) The customs department has been directed by the Ministry of Finance to seize import of equipment that facilitates electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS).

Further, hand them over to the Deputy Drug Controller for compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The Centre move to restrict use of e-cigarettes comes even as government-owned insurance companies own about 22 per cent stake in ITC, country’s largest conventional cigarette maker.

Despite the High Court judgement, the Ministry of Finance issued a circular directing all custom authorities to refer import consignments of ENDS including e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn devices, vape, e-sheesha, e-nicotine flavoured hookah and other like devices to the Deputy Drug Controller in their jurisdiction.

High Court recently quashed an advisory by the Ministry of Health to state governments to prohibit manufacture, distribution, sale (online) of ENDS and other related products unless the same complies with Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Government-owned insurance majors such as LIC, General Insurance Company, New India Assurance and Oriental Insurance cumulatively own 22% stake, despite resistance from various quarters.