Analysis of the strengthening of anti-tobacco legislation in Ukraine regarding the use of electronic cigarettes

Abstract

The results of the study of the procedure for strengthening anti-tobacco legislation are reflected. The degree of social harm of tobacco smoking was determined and the importance of regulating this issue at the legislative level was clarified. In the course of the study, the Law of Ukraine «On Amendments to Some Laws of Ukraine Regarding Public Health Protection from the Harmful Effects of Tobacco» was analyzed. A comparison of anti-tobacco legislation before and after the relevant changes was made. The issue was considered taking into account its importance in the process of forming a healthy nation, based on the activities of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and in view of the European integration policy. The question of responsibility for violation of anti-tobacco legislation has been studied. Conclusions were made that: 1) smoking is an extremely harmful habit, as a result of which the health of the smoker, as well as the people and animals around him, significantly deteriorates; 2) vaping is an extremely popular form of tobacco smoking among young people, which remained unregulated at the legislative level until 2023, which allowed the distribution of electronic cigarettes among the population, especially young people; 3) the adoption of the Law of Ukraine «On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding Public Health Protection from the Harmful Effects of Tobacco» on July 11, 2023 became an important step in regulating the production, advertising, sale and use of electronic cigarettes. The law settled previously unregulated issues; 4) the above-mentioned changes in anti-tobacco legislation were necessary for Ukraine both to improve the health of the population and to bring Ukrainian legislation to European standards; 5) violation of anti-tobacco legislation entails administrative responsibility in the form of a warning and a fine; 6) supervision of compliance with anti-tobacco legislation is entrusted to the National Police of Ukraine and the State Production and Consumer Service.