Santo Domingo.– Congresswoman Patricia Núñez introduced a bill that seeks to regulate the commercialization, distribution, promotion, and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices in the Dominican Republic, with the goal of strengthening public health protection, especially among children, adolescents, and young people.
The legislator explained that the initiative arises due to the growing use of these devices in the country and the need to establish a legal framework to regulate their sale and consumption, taking into account the potential risks associated with their use.
According to Núñez, the proposal includes restrictions on the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors, as well as regulations related to the advertising, promotion, and distribution of these products within the national territory.
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The congresswoman highlighted that various international health organizations have warned about the effects that vaping devices can have, especially when used by adolescents and people who have never consumed tobacco-derived products.
Likewise, he maintained that the absence of specific legislation has allowed for the expansion of this market without adequate controls, which is why he considers it necessary to establish clear rules that guarantee the protection of the population.
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The legislative initiative also seeks to promote guidance and education campaigns regarding the risks associated with the use of electronic cigarettes, in addition to strengthening the oversight powers of the competent authorities.
Núñez stated that the project seeks to balance the regulation of the sector with the protection of public health, aligning the country with international trends that have adopted specific regulations for this type of product.
The proposal will be known by the corresponding commissions of the Chamber of Deputies, where it will be submitted for study and debate before continuing its legislative course.
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With this initiative, the legislator seeks to open the discussion on the impact of electronic cigarettes on health and the need to establish control mechanisms that respond to the growth of their use in Dominican society.
