JFDA catches dozens of tobacco shops for illicit e-cigarette dealings

AMMAN — The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) suspended the operations of 19 tobacco shops and shut down 41 unlicensed tobacco-selling establishments, in addition to confiscating dozens of e-cigarette equipment.

The administration launched a monitory campaign to address the illicit and unregulated sale of uncertified tobacco and e-cigarette commodities.

The Cabinet, on May 19, tasked the JFDA with monitoring and controlling the trade and sale of electronic and non-electronic tobacco-related commodities.

So far, the campaign has resulted in the seizure of 104 pieces of e-cigarette and e-arghileh equipment, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The administration additionally disposed of 470 packs of e-liquid, commonly known as juice, which failed to meet the general quality, safety and production requirements and standards, according to the JFDA statement carried by Petra.

Meanwhile, the JFDA’s report said 88 e-cigarettes and 17 e-arghilehs, produced by an unknown manufacturer, were confiscated in the days-long campaign.

As part of its operations, the JFDA has conducted 129 field visits to tobacco shops, of which 93 were committed to the ban on selling e-cigarettes and their paraphernalia, Petra reported.

Violating establishments have been notified of pending fines that are to be decided, upon the conclusion of ongoing legal proceedings, the statement said.

Also earlier in May, the government imposed a 200 per cent tax on electronic cigarettes, vapes and their paraphernalia, as part of amendments to the Special Tax Law.