New Delhi, September 18: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an ordinance to ban production, import, distribution and sale of electronic cigarettes, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Sitharaman, who had headed a Group of Ministers (GoM) on the issue, said the Cabinet decided to ban e-cigarettes and similar products as they pose health risk to people, especially the youth. Gujarat Government Bans Sale of E-Cigarette.

The punishment may be upto 1 year and a fine of Rs 1 lakh which may extend upto 3 years and fine upto Rs 5 lakh for repeat offenders.