Understanding Mexico's Vape Laws

Mexico is one of the world's top tourist destinations with its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and vibrant culture. It’s a great place to go on holiday and escape your busy everyday life.

Of course, there are rules and regulations to follow whenever you visit a different country. And with vaping becoming more popular in recent years, vapers must be extra aware of the policies in place, as they vary from country to country.

Mexico, in particular, has seen a series of changes in its vaping laws in the past few years. This article delves into these changes and provides insight into the country's current state of vaping laws so you can be more informed before your travels.

2020 was an important year for vaping laws in Mexico, as the country banned the importation and sale of vaping equipment and products.

The government’s justification for the ban was to minimize vaping health risks (such as long-term effects of vapor inhalation), as well as an attempt to pull young people away from vaping and e-cigarettes, as studies have shown an increasing number of teenagers among e-cigarette users.

The ban affected many parts of the vaping industry, from consumers to businesses. Importing, advertising, and selling vaping products are all prohibited. This has led to a decrease in products in the formal market, which has then led to consumers searching black market channels for their fix.

This strict ban has also become a problem for those looking to veer away from smoking tobacco, as their access to a potentially less harmful alternative has been severely limited.

For these reasons, these policies have been criticized, with advocacy groups organizing petitions and protests, claiming the laws to be overly restrictive and unhelpful in the long run.

Since 2020 and the ban's implementation, Mexico’s legal landscape has continued to evolve.

In 2021, a decree was published stating that e-cigarette importation was prohibited. And in 2022, Mexico’s tobacco reform law was amended to include a total ban on tobacco advertising, and a regulation on 100% smoke-free areas. In the same year, the most recent General Import and Export Tax law was approved, prohibiting the importation and exportation of e-cigarettes and related products.

While this means that attempting to bring your vape equipment (disposable or otherwise) with you to Mexico might not be a good idea, you might be able to purchase vapes and e-liquids from local retailers.

There don’t appear to be regulations on vape and e-cigarette manufacturing in Mexico, so it is best to be cautious when purchasing from local sellers.

A law totally banning smoking in all public places was passed in 2023, serving as an extension to the 2008 law that banned smoking in indoor spaces. Many places have enacted this ban, including resorts, hotels, beaches, restaurants, parks, etc. Some resorts are less strict, but signposts are often around, so it’s always best to be aware. Inquire when unsure.

This also goes for airports. For example, Cancun Airport has designated areas outside the terminals away from entrances and exits. The ban is very strictly enforced in airports.

These laws have been met with many vocal, and often disagreeing, responses from the public.

Various vaping advocacy groups, such as All Vape Mexico and World Vapers’ Alliance, have organized protests against these legislations, citing failure to address vaping as a smoking cessation tool, as well as an infringement of individual freedoms.

They also explain that it is counterproductive to keep teenagers away from vaping, as they now have easier and full access to informal sellers and the black market, making the likelihood of them purchasing potentially dangerous products higher.

These protests call for a reversal of the ban, and an approval of clear and evidence-based regulations. Advocacy groups propose stricter quality and sales control rules instead of a complete and total ban. They argue that laws implementing who can produce, sell, and consume vaping equipment will be more beneficial in the long run.

Mexico and its smoking laws continue to evolve and progress, with various reforms being proposed.

The goal is the safety and quality of vaping products, as well as the health and safety of consumers. This entails setting standards for everything in the market, from production to marketing to sales. The public’s push for a different approach to reform is based on a desire to balance public health and individual freedom.

As travelers to Mexico, we are responsible for respecting and complying with local laws and culture, which means being aware and current about new laws.

Some ways you can ensure you are respecting the rules in another country is to check out where the designated smoking areas are, especially in public spaces. If you are unsure, ask staff or other locals about the policies where you are. Most people are very helpful and willing to guide you.

With the 2020 vaping ban, and the following reforms and laws passed since, Mexico’s legal landscape when it comes to smoking and vaping is always changing. The calls to respect personal freedoms, encourage economic growth, and safeguard public health are ongoing, and as Mexico navigates these efforts, travelers must ensure that they do their part, as well.

Having access to safe and regulated high-quality vapes and e-liquids is very important. At RELX, we offer devices of premium quality, made with strict safety standards. Visit the RELX website and check out our products to experience the difference.