The Supreme Court of Panama has decided to hear a lawsuit regarding the unconstitutional ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco in 2022, which is seen as a positive first step towards reducing tobacco harm to groups in Panama.
According to a report from Siliconindia on November 7th, the Supreme Court of Panama has decided to hear a lawsuit on whether the ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco in 2022 is unconstitutional. This decision is considered a significant step forward for the Panama Tobacco Harm Reduction Group.
In early August, the Panama Tobacco Harm Reduction Association (ARDTP) filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court, stating that Law No. 315, which prohibits the use, sale, and import of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco in the country, was unconstitutional and should be abolished. After filing the lawsuit, the Supreme Court decided to advance the appeal of ARDTP in the September 21st election.
If the Supreme Court determines that the unconstitutional declaration is valid, the 315 bill will be returned to the legislature for revision. After the bill is revised, it will be resubmitted to the Supreme Court to confirm its constitutionality. Develop new laws to replace the current 315 Act, thereby supporting 'risk based regulations'.
Panama is one of several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Argentina, and Venezuela, that have passed strict legislation since 2022 to restrict the use, sales, import and export of these products.