Mexico bans vape sales and warns tourists to leave e-cigarettes at home

Mexico has begun enforcing a sweeping law prohibiting vaping devices, banning the importation, distribution and sale of e-cigarettes as of 16 January. A decree published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) reforms the General Health Law, eliminating the legal vape market entirely. Tourists are now being warned not to bring e-cigarettes into the country.

Mexico first restricted vaping imports in 2020, before moving in 2022 to ban the sale and importation of e-cigarettes. However, enforcement lagged after parts of earlier restrictions promoted by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador were overturned by the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds.

Although an amendment passed in January 2025 addressed the legal framework, a major loophole remained as the country lacked practical enforcement mechanisms, allowing devices to continue entering Mexico from the US and China for local sale. 

This final hurdle has now been removed. While previous regulations mainly focused on sales, the new legislation criminalises the import of vaping devices or related products, effectively eliminating the ‘personal use’ defence.

The ban covers disposable and refillable vapes, pods, e-liquids, and even nicotine-free devices. It targets every stage of the supply chain, including accessories and refills.