Oman Imposes Ban on E-Cigarettes, Hookahs and Similar Devices

In a major initiative to protect public health, the Sultanate of Oman has issued a new directive – Resolution No. 756 of 2023, prohibiting the circulation of electronic cigarettes, electronic hookahs and their accessories.

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The resolution, which was adopted by the Consumer Protection Authority, is made of several articles that define the scope of the fixed ban and penalties associated with it. Article-I directly rules out the trade on electronic cigarettes and hookahs, including their accessories, making it an unequivocal position against the use and sale of such products.

Article-II of the resolution outlines penalties for violating the ban, indicating a sharp increase in fines, especially against repeat offenders. Intensified measures on discouraging the illegal circulation of electronic smoking devices may include doubling fines for offenders.

By way of reinforcing the regulatory framework, Article-III nullifies Resolution No. 698/2015 and any conflicting provisions. This step will be important because it will ensure that the new directive is clear and effective in tackling issues related to electronic smoking devices as they keep getting more popular.

This resolution also notes the immediate implementation of the ban and Article-IV indicates that the decision shall be published in Official Gazette and it shall be effective from the day following its publication.

Fast measures such as this have demonstrated the seriousness with which Omani authorities are taking attempts to curb the use and trade of these electronic smoking paraphernalia.

Also, the resolution restores penalties for violations considering them more severe – from 500 Omani rials to 1,000 Omani rials. Repeated violations may attract an extra administrative penalty of 50 Omani rials per day where the offense persists up to a maximum limit of 2,000 Omani rials. Significantly, all seized items will go through the correct disposal processes to eliminate electronic cigarettes and hookahs from circulation.

This directive is an indication of how Oman wants to promote public health and indicates that the government is taking actions about new problems that have come up as a result of using e cigarette in the country.