Electronic cigarette imports to be regulated

The Ministry of Finance has issued a decision to regulate imports of electronic cigarettes and hookahs (nargileh).

Companies that import these products must acquire a license from the ministry and pay a fee of up to $15,000, depending on the types of products imported. The distribution of these products remains limited to the main points of sale. Conditions to acquire a license include lab tests from the country of origin and the manufacturer to prove that they do not contain prohibited materials.

The manufacturer must buy local tobacco as of the second year of importation, based on the quantity of electronic cigarettes or hookas the importer is selling locally.

The price of the electronic cigarettes and hookas are determined based on a formula set by the Minister of Finance, upon the recommendations of the Government Commissioner and General Director of Public Finance.