Malaysia’s New Vape Regulations: What You Need to Know by October 1

Starting October 1, Malaysia has put into effect the Health Smoking Product Control Act 2024, introducing strict vape regulations on the sale and display of tobacco and vaporizer products. According to CodeBlue news, these new rules prohibit the public display of such products outside of specialty stores and ban online and vending machine sales.

Scope Application of New Vape Regulations

The restrictions on the sale and display of tobacco and vaporizer products extend to public and private educational areas, including kindergartens, schools, and universities. If an educational institution is located within a commercial building, the restriction applies within a 40-meter radius from the school boundary and a 3-meter radius from the entrance of the commercial building. The sale of tobacco and vaporizer products is also banned at temporary stalls and markets.

Sales of tobacco products, smoking substances, or alternatives must comply with the packaging and labeling requirements outlined in the Health Smoking Product Control (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations 2024. These products cannot be sold in open or loose bulk forms.

Penalties for violating these sales control regulations include a fine of up to 20,000 Malaysian Ringgit or imprisonment for up to one year for a first offense for individuals, and up to 30,000 Malaysian Ringgit or two years of imprisonment for repeat offenders. For companies, the penalties start at a minimum of 20,000 Malaysian Ringgit (up to 100,000 Malaysian Ringgit) and can include up to two years of imprisonment for a first offense, with repeat offenses facing a fine of up to 50,000 Malaysian Ringgit (up to 300,000 Malaysian Ringgit) and a maximum of three years in prison.

Enforcement in educational settings will begin six to twelve months after the implementation date. The statement reads, “Therefore, Act 852, published on February 2, 2024, will come into effect on October 1, 2024, together with the relevant regulations and orders.”

As part of a phased implementation, the maximum allowed nicotine concentration in smoking substances is currently set at 35 milligrams per milliliter; however, this limit will be reduced to 20 milligrams per milliliter starting October 1, 2025. Additionally, the maximum capacity for each cartridge or disposable pod is now 3 milliliters, but this will be reduced to 2 milliliters starting October 1, 2026.

It’s noteworthy that many vaporizer products on the Malaysian market contain 5% nicotine (50 milligrams per milliliter), but most vaporizer products have a nicotine concentration of 3% (30 milligrams per milliliter). This contrasts with regulations in many countries, including Indonesia, the UK, and several European nations, which limit vape nicotine content to 2% (20 milligrams per milliliter).

VAPLAY demonstrates agility in navigating the diverse e-cigarette policies across various countries and regions. The brand offers a flexible approach to meet local regulations by providing customizable e-liquid options, including a range of nicotine strengths to cater to different market demands. VAPLAY’s vaporizer products are designed with compliance in mind, ensuring that they adhere to safety standards and legal requirements in each jurisdiction. This includes features like childproof packaging and clear labeling to promote responsible use. By staying adaptable and responsive to regional policies, VAPLAY maintains its commitment to delivering high-quality vaping experiences while upholding the highest standards of product safety and legal compliance.