Mexico Approves Total Vape Ban: Fines up to 226k Pesos

Mexico's Chamber of Deputies has approved a total ban on electronic cigarettes and vapes, moving to prohibit the commercialization, production, and advertising of these products nationwide. The measure passed with 292 votes in favor and 163 against. While the proposal still requires Senate approval, it outlines significant penalties for violators.

Crucially, the legislation targets the supply chain—manufacturing, importing, exporting, distributing, selling, advertising, transporting, and storing—rather than the individual user. Personal consumption of these products will not be penalized or prosecuted.

The proposed fines are substantial, calculated based on the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA). Violators could face fines ranging from 100 to 2,000 times the UMA value. With the 2025 UMA set at 113.14 pesos, this translates to a financial penalty between 11,314 pesos (approx. $630 USD) and 226,280 pesos (approx. $12,600 USD). Since the UMA value increases annually, these fines will rise in subsequent years.

In more severe cases, particularly those involving production, prison sentences could be imposed. This legislative push is driven by health concerns and a desire to close existing legal loopholes surrounding these controversial products. The bill now moves to the Senate for further debate and potential final approval.