Improve the effectiveness of implementing policies and laws on preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco

Joint forces increase inspections of tobacco stores. Photo: The Hung

In the province, there are currently 8 units licensed by the Department of Industry and Trade to wholesale tobacco and 1 unit licensed to trade in tobacco materials; 1 unit processing, manufacturing and assembling electronic cigarette accessories (no drug solution, 100% exported products) with a capacity of more than 1.5 million products/year (Partron Vina Company Limited).

In performing the task of state management of tobacco production and trading in the province, the Department of Industry and Trade has issued many documents directing and organizing the implementation of policies and plans on tobacco harm prevention and control (PCTHTL) in the management field. Units licensed to wholesale tobacco and trade in tobacco products strictly comply with the law on tobacco trading.

Every year, the Market Management Department (Department of Industry and Trade) conducts inspections of compliance with State regulations for organizations and individuals trading, transporting and selling tobacco products in the province to promptly and effectively detect and prevent violations of tobacco trading conditions.

Propaganda work on the Party's guidelines, the State's policies and laws in the fight against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods has received due attention. The implementation of models such as "Smoke-free environment", "Smoke-free office", "Smoke-free school" in agencies and units has been promoted, thereby raising people's awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco and passive smoking that negatively affect human health.

In particular, the functional sectors have strengthened the inspection, supervision and strict handling of illegal acts of trading, storing and transporting electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Specifically, in 2023 - 2024, 31 cases were inspected, 14 violations were detected, handled and fined for acts such as: Not having a sign stating that cigarettes are not sold to people under 18 years old at the point of sale of wholesale agents and tobacco retailers according to regulations; displaying tobacco brands at retail agents and tobacco retail points in accordance with regulations, not posting selling prices, storing prohibited goods such as smuggled cigarettes...

Despite many positive results, tobacco control work in the province still faces some challenges such as the situation of smoking in public places has not been thoroughly handled. The Tobacco Control Law has created an important legal foundation for tobacco control work in Vietnam in general and the province in particular. However, in the implementation process, there are still problems and shortcomings in legal documents.

Some provisions in the law do not have specific instructions on implementation, causing difficulties for authorities and localities in implementing effective measures to prevent and combat the harmful effects of tobacco.

Sanctions for violations are not strong enough to deter. Although there are regulations on penalties for violations related to smoking in public places, the current penalties are not strong enough to prevent and deter.

Smoking in public places still occurs, especially in some cases involving high school and vocational school students... but no cases have been punished, showing that there needs to be an adjustment in sanctions.

Along with that, the current provincial market management force is very thin, so it faces many difficulties in implementing the task of fighting against smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods in the province, especially tobacco products.

Violators are increasingly sophisticated, especially those who take advantage of e-commerce systems and social networking sites to introduce and trade smuggled goods, goods of unknown origin, and poor quality goods, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, making it very difficult for authorities to manage and inspect.

To improve the effectiveness of implementing policies and laws on tobacco control, it is necessary to continue promoting propaganda and education, strengthening inspection, examination and strict handling of violations; mobilizing the active participation of the community in building a smoke-free environment.

In addition, sanctions for violations should be strengthened with more severe penalties to increase deterrence; specific guidelines should be issued for the implementation of legal provisions to help localities implement them more effectively... contributing to protecting public health and building a healthier living environment.

Hong Nhat

Source: http://baovinhphuc.com.vn/Multimedia/Images/Id/126069/Nang-cao-hieu-qua-thuc-thi-chinh-sach-phap-luat-ve-phong-chong-tac-hai-cua-thuoc-la