Vaping In Bahrain: What's The Legal Status?

In 2013, Bahrain banned the importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes. However, in 2016, a new Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism effectively reversed the ban, allowing electronic hookah into the country. Since then, e-cigarettes have been sold in Bahrain under a different name. While e-cigarettes are legal to buy online and in-country for personal use, they are still controlled as tobacco products. There is a 100% tax on e-liquids, and the use of e-cigarettes is banned in enclosed public places and on public transportation.

E-cigarettes are legal to buy online and in-country for personal use

E-cigarettes, or vaping, is a popular recreational activity and a way for traditional cigarette smokers to quit. In Bahrain, e-cigarettes are legal to buy online and in-country for personal use, but they are controlled as tobacco products. This means that while you can buy e-cigarettes and nicotine products online and in-country for your own use, there are restrictions on their use.

In 2013, Bahrain banned the importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes. However, in 2016, this ban was effectively reversed when the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism directed Customs officials to allow "electronic hookah" into the country. This created ambiguity as the 2013 decision only banned the import of e-cigarettes and was silent on "electronic hookahs". Since then, e-cigarettes have been sold in Bahrain under this alternative name.

Despite this, there are still restrictions on the use of e-cigarettes in Bahrain. For example, Bahrain's tobacco control law prohibits the advertisement, promotion, sponsorship, and use of tobacco products in enclosed public places and on public transportation. This includes e-cigarettes, which are regulated as tobacco products. Visitors bringing their own e-cigarettes and nicotine products into the country may also be viewed as importing these products, which appears to be restricted to trade outlets.

It is important to note that the regulatory status of e-cigarettes and nicotine products can change frequently and with little notice. As such, it is always a good idea to verify the information independently and check for any updates to the laws before travelling to Bahrain.

E-cigarettes are controlled as tobacco products

In 2013, Bahrain banned the importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes. However, in 2016, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism effectively reversed the ban, allowing "electronic hookah" into the country. Since then, e-cigarettes have been sold in Bahrain under a different name.

E-cigarettes are currently legal to buy online and in-country for personal use in Bahrain while still being controlled as tobacco products. The country's tobacco control law prohibits the advertisement, promotion, sponsorship, and use of tobacco products in enclosed public places and on public transportation.

The classification of e-cigarettes as tobacco products in Bahrain has created some confusion. Retailers and consumers have argued that taxing e-liquids as tobacco products is unjustified as they do not contain tobacco. This reclassification has also created a loophole that allows tobacco companies to advertise their products to a wider audience, including young people, through sponsorships such as Formula One racing.

The regulatory status of e-cigarettes in Bahrain is subject to change, and it is recommended that individuals verify the legal status of these products independently.

There is a 100% tax on e-liquids

On July 12, 2018, the Bahraini government imposed a 100% tax on e-liquids, causing outrage among the country's vaping community. The tax, which was implemented without prior warning, reclassified e-liquids as tobacco products, despite containing no tobacco. This decision by the government effectively doubled the price of all new vape juice imports.

The tax was an extension of the existing sin tax on tobacco, fizzy drinks, and energy drinks. Retailers and consumers were quick to point out the injustice of the tax, as e-liquids do not contain tobacco. They argued that the higher prices could lead former smokers, who had successfully quit using vape products, back to smoking. This concern was shared by Sayed Al Wadei, owner of Vapeworld in Tubli, who stated that the tax made "no sense." Al Wadei also highlighted the potential impact on businesses, with many stores importing thousands of bottles of e-liquids each month and now facing significant excise taxes.

In response to the tax, a social media movement emerged, with the hashtag #BAHRAIN_VAPE_IS_NOT_TOBACCO gaining traction. This anti-tax movement emphasised the scientific data supporting the use of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to combustible tobacco products. The American Cancer Society (ACS) also weighed in on the debate, releasing a public health statement linking e-cigarette use to ending the smoking epidemic.

The Bahraini government's decision to tax vaping products was seen as a step back in the fight against smoking. The reclassification of e-liquids as tobacco products created ambiguity and potentially allowed tobacco companies to advertise their products to young people through loopholes, such as sponsoring Formula One races. Despite the backlash and concerns raised, the 100% tax on e-liquids in Bahrain remained in place.

Tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship are banned

In 2009, Bahrain implemented a ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS). This was part of the country's commitment to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), which it ratified in 2007. The ban prohibits the advertisement, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products in enclosed public places and on public transportation. This includes a ban on advertising at the point of sale and in all media.

Despite this ban, tobacco companies have continued to advertise their products in Bahrain, exploiting loopholes and ambiguities in the regulations. For example, British American Tobacco (BAT), a major sponsor of the McLaren Formula One (F1) team, has advertised its e-cigarette brand, Vuse, during F1 races in Bahrain. This is possible due to a re-categorisation of e-cigarettes in the country. In 2013, Bahrain banned the importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes. However, in 2016, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism effectively reversed the ban by allowing the importation of "electronic hookahs", creating ambiguity around the definition of e-cigarettes.

BAT's partnership with McLaren is notable due to the sport's growing young audience. An estimated 36% of new F1 fans are under the age of 25, and McLaren has the youngest fan base of any F1 team, with around 38% of its fans between 18 and 24 years old. This suggests that BAT's sponsorship may be targeting young people, exposing them to advertisements for addictive products.

While Bahrain has taken steps to restrict tobacco advertising, the presence of loopholes and industry influence continue to pose challenges in fully enforcing the TAPS ban.

Tobacco smoking is banned in enclosed public places and on public transportation

In 2013, Bahrain banned the importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes. However, in 2016, a new decision by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism effectively reversed the ban, allowing "electronic hookah" into the country. Since then, e-cigarettes have been sold in Bahrain under this alternative name.

Despite this, e-cigarettes are still controlled as tobacco products and are subject to tobacco control laws. This includes a ban on the use of tobacco products in enclosed public places and on public transportation.

The tobacco control law in Bahrain prohibits the use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, in enclosed public places and on public transportation. This means that vaping is not permitted in indoor areas such as restaurants, bars, offices, and shopping malls, as well as on buses, trains, and other forms of public transport.

The law aims to protect the public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and create smoke-free environments. It is important to note that the definition of "enclosed public places" may vary and it is recommended to check local regulations for specific details.

The use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices has been a subject of debate in Bahrain, with some arguing that it is a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, the government has implemented regulations and restrictions on the use of these devices, indicating a cautious approach to their growing popularity.

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