Kathmandu: The Patan High Court has issued a directive ordering the government to lift restrictions on the import and sale of electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vapes.
A Division Bench comprising Justices Kabi Prasad Neupane and Hemant Rawal delivered the verdict in response to a writ petition filed by Vape Mandu Traders against multiple government bodies, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, the Department of Customs, and the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection.
The court’s ruling effectively paves the way for the resumption of vape imports and sales in Nepal, reversing a de facto ban imposed by government agencies in recent months.
The ban originated from a circular issued by the National Health Education, Information and Communication Center under the Ministry of Health and Population. Citing Sub-rule 3 of Rule 28 of the Tobacco Products Control and Regulation Directive, 2015, the circular instructed relevant authorities to prohibit the production, import, distribution, public consumption, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes.
Following the circular, customs offices began halting the clearance of imported vapes, disrupting the vape trade nationwide.
However, the High Court ruled that the government’s actions lacked sufficient legal grounds to justify a blanket ban. The verdict now requires the concerned government offices to resume processing vape imports and to cease enforcement of the restrictions.
Government data reveals a growing market for electronic cigarettes in Nepal. In the fiscal year 2023/24, customs revenue from vape-related imports exceeded Rs 230 million, underscoring the sector’s expanding commercial footprint.
The decision is expected to have wide-reaching implications for public health policy and regulatory enforcement, as well as for businesses engaged in the vape trade.