Mexico’s Senate approved legal reforms that could impose up to eight years in prison for producing or selling vapes.
The new rules also include fines of up to 226,000 pesos ($12,500), marking a major escalation in enforcement.
The reforms passed with support from pro-government senators after clearing the lower house on Tuesday.
They now await enactment by President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has publicly backed the legislation.
Sheinbaum argued that vapes can be as harmful as traditional cigarettes and should not replace tobacco products.
She emphasized that citizens should avoid smoking and using vapes altogether.
Mexico has banned smoking in most public spaces for nearly two decades.
Recently, authorities have focused on restricting the sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes due to health concerns.
The government has not banned the personal use of these devices.
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Sheinbaum added that authorities are working with states to prevent illegal markets and organized crime involvement.
However, she did not specify when the new regulations would officially take effect.
Opposition Senator Luis Colosio criticized the reforms as “prohibitionist,” arguing they avoid proper regulation and monitoring.
He claimed outright bans are an easy way for the government to sidestep responsibilities.
Despite the new measures, vapes and e-cigarettes remain widely available in retail stores across Mexico City.
Authorities have yet to announce how they will address street-level sales or enforce the law.
Residents like Valentina expressed mixed feelings, noting that vapes are cheap and easily accessible.
Some welcomed the ban, while others worried it would push sales into illegal markets.