The New Year in US has begun with a Ban(g). Most E-Cigarette flavours, including mint, fruit and dessert flavours, would be banned very shortly, said US President Donald Trump at a New Year’s Eve news conference during a party at his Mar-a-Lago Resort. He however added that the ban would be short-lived.

The ban, which the public health experts say is a welcome move, though seeks to spare menthol and tobacco flavours, thanks to the intense lobbying by the vaping industry, and Trump administration’s ongoing legal battle with the tobacco industry. Moreover, the decision of partial ban was influenced by upcoming Presidential election in United States. it’s said that Trump was advised against a blanket ban on flavours by his advisors, including Brad Parscale, his re-election campaign manager, citing adverse effect on the turnout in battleground states.

Trump himself has been increasingly hesitant in putting a complete ban as he believes that doing so would drive the youth towards other unsafe and illicit products.

In India, the government banned sale, production and distribution of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems or e-cigarettes, vaping devices and vapes on September 18, 2019. Importing e-cigarettes is also banned in India.