British American Tobacco Mexico Opposes E-cigarette Ban, Calls For Scientific Regulation

British American Tobacco Mexico opposes e-cigarette ban, calls for scientific regulation

British American Tobacco Mexico has expressed concern about the decision by Mexico's House of Representatives to approve a constitutional ban on e-cigarettes, warning that it could have negative impacts on public health, the economy and the law, and calling for appropriate regulation based on scientific evidence rather than a ban.

According to a report by La Querella Digital on December 4, British American Tobacco Mexico (BAT México) expressed concerns about the decision approved by the Mexican House of Representatives to ban e-cigarettes in the constitution.

BAT México warned the move could have negative impacts on public health, the economy and the law.

The company noted that the proposal ignores scientific evidence and international experience that show e-cigarettes are up to 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Countries such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Sweden have integrated e-cigarettes into their public policies to combat smoking and have made significant progress.

BAT Mexico warned that the ban could lead to an increase in tax evasion, the expansion of the black market, increased exposure to unregulated products for minors, and limited access to lower-risk alternatives for adults. Similar bans in Mexico have made illegal trade more rampant, the company reported.

The company reaffirms its commitment to promoting health and the environment through its global strategy "Better Tomorrow", which aims to reduce the effects of smoking through its Vuse e-cigarette product line, which has been legally available in Mexico since 2019.

BAT México calls on senators to vote based on scientific evidence, rather than being influenced by ideological bias, and to prioritize an appropriate regulatory framework. They emphasize regulation, not bans, as the most effective way to protect public health and responsibly curb smoking.

"Banning has proven to be an ineffective and costly solution. Only through data-based regulation can we move towards a smoke-free Mexico."