Indonesian retailers ban vape sales to under-21 customers
Indonesian vape retailers will no longer sell to customers under 21, aiming to reduce youth access to e-cigarettes.Summary
The Indonesian Vape Retailers Association (Arvindo) has mandated that all member stores cease selling e-cigarettes to individuals under the age of 21. This decision includes requiring retailers to prominently display “21+” signage and verify customer ages with valid identification. Arvindo Chairman Fachmi Kurnia stated the move aligns with government initiatives to limit youth access to vaping products, a sentiment supported by the Tar and Smoke Free Movement (Gebrak). Gebrak also advocates for retailers to actively educate consumers about the health risks associated with smoking and vaping. This action comes amid concerns over high smoking rates in Indonesia, with approximately 70 million active smokers and rising youth prevalence, as indicated by survey data showing an increase in smoking among students aged 13-15 between 2016 and 2019. Arvindo also called for science-based regulation and recognition of vaping’s potential harm-reduction benefits, referencing a study showing e-cigarettes as a common smoking cessation aid in England.
(Source：VnExpress International)
