Reform Prohibiting the Use of Vaping Devices and Its Impact on the Industry

ILC Abogados

On January 17, 2025, the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) published the “DECREE amending Article 4, fifth paragraph, and Article 5, second paragraph, of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, regarding health protection.” The decree establishes the following:

“…Article 4…”

To guarantee the right to health protection, the law will penalize all activities related to electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and other similar systems or devices as stipulated by law, as well as the production, distribution, and sale of toxic substances, chemical precursors, the illegal use of fentanyl, and other unauthorized synthetic drugs.

“…Article 5…”

The profession, industry, domestic or foreign trade, employment, or any other activity mentioned in the fifth paragraph of Article 4 above is prohibited.

Scope of the Decree

The decree prohibits all activities related to electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and analogous systems. In addition, the legislator explicitly prohibits the production, distribution, and sale of chemical precursors.

This is particularly significant because chemical precursors are classified as substances with dual-use potential, meaning they can be utilized for both lawful industrial purposes and illicit activities.

Currently, a list of 72 substances is categorized as “dual-use substances,” including:

  • Piperidine and salts
  • Sodium cyanide
  • Styrene
  • Undenatured ethyl alcohol with a volume of 80% or more
  • Hexane; Heptane
  • Anhydrous ammonia
  • Disodium carbonate
  • Methanol (Methyl alcohol)
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Ethylene glycol (ethanediol)
  • Acetic acid
  • N - Butyl acetate
  • Acetic anhydride
  • Tartaric acid
  • 4-Piperidone
  • 4-Piperidone monohydrate
  • 4-Piperidone hydrochloride
  • 4-Piperidone hydrochloride monohydrate
  • Tert-Butyl 4-anilinopiperidine carboxylate (1-n-boc-4-phenylanilinopiperidine)
  • N-(4-Fluorophenyl) piperidine-4-amine
  • Tert-Butyl 4-((3-fluorophenyl)amino)piperidine carboxylate
  • Benzylfentanyl
  • Aniline(a)
  • Norfentanyl
  • 1-Benzyl-4-piperidone
  • 4-Anilino-1-benzylpiperidine (4-ANBP)
  • Phenethyl bromide
  • Phenethyl chloride
  • Phenethyl iodide
  • Chloroephedrine hydrochloride
  • Chloropseudoephedrine hydrochloride
  • Formamide
  • Formic acid
  • Hydrobromic acid
  • 3,4-Methylenedioxyphenyl-2-nitropropene (3,4-MDP2NP, 3,4-MDP-2-P nitropropene)
  • N-Methylformamide
  • l-Phenylacetylcarbinol
  • 1-Phenyl-2-nitropropene (P2NP, P-2-P nitropropene)
  • Propiophenone (1-Phenyl-1-Propanone)
  • Alpha-phenylacetoacetic acid (3-oxo-2-phenylbutanoic acid) and its salts and esters
  • 3,4-MDP-2-P methyl glycidic acid and its salts and esters
  • Methyl-3-[3’,4’-methylenedioxy)phenyl]-2-methylglycidate (“3,4-MDP-2-P methyl glycidate”)
  • Formaldehyde
  • N-Acetylephedrine
  • N-Acetylpseudoephedrine
  • Phenyl-2-nitropropane
  • Potassium cyanide
  • Diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA)
  • N-Methylephedrine
  • N-Methylpseudoephedrine
  • Ergocristine
  • Morpholine
  • Sodium permanganate
  • Dimethylsulfone
  • Acetonitrile
  • Lead acetate
  • Sodium acetate
  • Acetic acid
  • Benzene
  • Ammonium chloride
  • Calcium chloride
  • Potassium hydroxide
  • Sodium hydroxide
  • Hypophosphorous acid
  • Iodine
  • Sodium carbonate
  • Sodium gluconate
  • Yellow phosphorus
  • White phosphorus
  • Ethyl acetate
  • Dichloromethane
  • Methyl isobutyl ketone

Key Obligations for Regulated Activities

If any of the listed substances are used in regulated activities (e.g., production, preparation, sale, acquisition, import, export, transportation, storage, or distribution), the following obligations may apply:

  1. Annual Reporting: Submit an annual report to the Ministry of Health through the Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS).
  2. Activity Registration: Record each activity in the Integral Substances System within 24 hours of performing it.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Engaging in regulated activities without adhering to the stipulated legal framework may result in sanctions or even criminal penalties.

Recommendations

If any of the aforementioned chemical precursors are utilized in your production processes or operations, it is crucial to:

  • Identify the specific obligations applicable to your activities.
  • Ensure full compliance to mitigate legal and financial risks.

We hope this information is useful and invite you to contact us for any questions or guidance regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

ILC Integral Legal Consulting