Brazil Health Minister Reaffirms Opposition to Vape Legalization
On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2025, Brazilian Health Minister Alexandre Padilha reaffirmed his opposition to the liberalization of vape sales and similar devices. He expressed support for the resolution issued by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), which prohibits the sale, import and advertising of electronic cigarettes in Brazil.
In 2024, Brazil strengthened its existing vape restrictions through RDC 855/2024, expanding controls on the commercialization, importation and promotion of electronic nicotine products.
Brazil Maintains Strict Vape Ban Through Anvisa Regulations
According to Brazilian media outlet Jota on May 28, Alexandre Padilha stated during a World No Tobacco Day event in Brasília that he does not support easing restrictions on vapes and related products.
The minister highlighted the importance of maintaining Anvisa Resolution 46/2009, which prohibits commercial activities involving electronic cigarettes. The updated RDC 855/2024 regulation further reinforced Brazil’s ban by covering the sale, import and advertising of vape products.
Health Officials Say Lower Vape Use Shows Policy Impact
Roberto Gil, director of Brazil’s National Cancer Institute (INCA), said that while traditional cigarette consumption has increased in some areas, the overall prevalence of vape use in Brazil remains significantly lower than in countries where these products are legally sold.
He said the difference suggests that Anvisa’s restrictive approach has helped limit the spread of vaping products, particularly among younger populations.
Brazil Expands Smoking Cessation Support Through Public Health System
Brazil’s public health system, known as SUS, has also expanded smoking cessation programs in recent years.
From 2022 to 2024, the number of cognitive behavioral therapy sessions offered through SUS increased by 96.4%. Participation in group support activities and home visits also increased, reflecting greater investment in tobacco control and smoking cessation services.
Study Highlights Economic Burden of Tobacco-Related Diseases
According to the INCA study “The Self-Evident Accounts of the Tobacco Industry”, the economic costs associated with smoking-related diseases remain a major public health challenge.
The study estimates that for every 1 real of profit generated by the tobacco industry, the Brazilian government spends around 5 reais addressing health problems caused by smoking.
Research also found that in 2019, every 15.6 million reais in tobacco sales profits was associated with one death caused by smoking-related diseases.
Experts Call for Greater Accountability From Tobacco Industry
André Szklaruk, an epidemiologist at INCA, called for further evaluation of the social costs created by tobacco product marketing and urged discussions on industry responsibility and compensation.
He warned that tobacco companies may attempt to attract younger users to replace customers lost due to smoking-related illnesses and deaths, making youth protection a key priority in tobacco control policies.
Brazil Continues to Prioritize Tobacco Prevention Policies
Brazil’s health authorities maintain that strict regulation of vapes and other electronic nicotine products is necessary to prevent a new generation from becoming dependent on nicotine.
The government continues to emphasize tobacco prevention, smoking cessation support and stronger enforcement of existing regulations as part of its long-term public health strategy.
