Brazil has seen a significant increase in vape seizures since 2024, with a seven-fold increase in Sao Paulo state. Despite a ban on vapes in Brazil since 2009, illegal sales are still widespread and criminal organizations see them as a new profit channel.
Key points:
1. The illegal trade of vapes in Brazil has increased significantly, especially in Parana State. Sao Paulo and other places.
2. Brazil has increased enforcement at its borders and ports, and vape seizures have increased significantly in many states.
3. The illicit market for vapes is linked to organized crime groups and poses a threat to public health and the economy.
E-cigarette seizures surge in Brazil by 2024
According to Sbtnews on March 27, the number of seizures of vapes in Brazil has increased significantly since 2024. In Sao Paulo, the number of vapes seized increased sevenfold from the previous year.
Although the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has imposed a ban on vapes since 2009. Vapes are still widely circulated in the market. A simple web search reveals a large number of ads for vapes, some of which are sold illegally through food delivery apps and often traded under the guise of other goods.
According to a survey, the states with the most significant increases in vape seizures in 2024 include:
- Parana: More than 1.1 million vapes were seized, double the number last year.
- Sao Paulo state: Approximately 937,000 vapes were seized with an estimated value of R $105 million;
- The states of Acre. Rio Grande do Sul. Para and Paraiba also recorded significant increases in seizures.
According to Edson Vismona, president of the National Forum Against Piracy and Illegal Activities, criminal organizations are looking at the black market for vapes as a new revenue stream.
- “These illicit products are effectively financing organized criminal gangs that are already deeply involved in smuggling other goods.”
Marcelo Pagotti, director of the section at Sao Paulo’s Consumer Protection Agency (Procon-SP), warned that merchants caught selling vapes could face fines, confiscation of their goods and even cancellation of their business licenses.
- “We are stepping up inspection operations to curb this illegal market and protect consumers.”
