Legal regulations on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), electronic non nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), heated tobacco products (HTPs) and vapes (E-cigarettes) in Türkiye: current status and recommendations

Türkiye has established a strong legislative framework for tobacco control within the scope of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). In 2008, the General Directorate of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacy of the Ministry of Health issued a statement classifying nicotine-containing cartridges of electronic cigarettes as medicinal products and devices as medical devices; none have been authorized for market placement. In 2013, through an amendment to Law No. 4207 on the Prevention and Control of the Harms of Tobacco Products, electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and vapes were explicitly brought under the legal definition of “tobacco product.” Pursuant to Law No. 4733, the production, distribution, marketing, and sale of these products without authorization or license from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, the high-capacity requirements stipulated for manufacturing effectively make legal domestic production impossible. In 2020, a Presidential Decree banned the importation of electronic cigarettes and their derivatives. This article summarizes these legislative provisions, evaluates the current situation, and presents recommendations for strengthening implementation.