Lebanon’s regulatory landscape for electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes/vapes) remains complex and inconsistently enforced. Understanding the current status is crucial for residents and visitors.
Legal Status
E-cigarettes containing nicotine are officially banned for import, distribution, sale, and use within Lebanon. This ban was initially instituted by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in 2015 via Circular No. 47/1, explicitly prohibiting any form of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS).
Despite the official ban, significant market presence exists. E-cigarettes and vaping products, including devices, e-liquids (with and without nicotine), and accessories, are widely available. This availability stems primarily from:
- Loopholes allowing importation of non-nicotine containing e-liquids (though nicotine-containing liquids frequently enter).
- Limited enforcement capacity of the ban by authorities.
- Establishment of numerous specialty vape shops operating openly in major cities.
Accessibility & Market
Purchasing e-cigarettes and vaping supplies in Lebanon is relatively easy, especially in urban centers like Beirut, Tripoli, and Sidon. Dedicated vape shops, some convenience stores, and online vendors/social media sellers offer a wide range of products. Age verification practices vary widely, although legally, these products should not be sold to minors.
Public Health Stance
The Lebanese MoPH maintains a strong stance against e-cigarettes, primarily citing concerns about:
- Lack of long-term safety data.
- Potential for nicotine addiction, especially among youth.
- Concerns over unregulated product quality and unknown chemical constituents.
- Limited evidence on their effectiveness for smoking cessation compared to approved methods.
The MoPH generally considers them harmful and advises against use, aligning with the official ban. Some harm reduction advocates argue they are less harmful than combustible cigarettes for adult smokers unwilling to quit, but this view lacks formal endorsement from health authorities in Lebanon.
Key Takeaways
- E-cigarettes with nicotine are legally banned in Lebanon per MoPH directives.
- Enforcement is inconsistent, leading to widespread commercial availability.
- Purchasing is easy from vape shops and online sellers; age verification is not guaranteed.
- The official health stance warns against their use due to health risks and addiction potential.
- Travellers importing devices/liquids for personal use face uncertainty and risk confiscation at customs, particularly for nicotine liquids.
