Are Vapes Allowed in Indonesia: Laws, Restrictions, and Current Realities

Electronic cigarettes, or vapes, have become a popular alternative to traditional smoking in recent years. Indonesia, which has one of the highest tobacco consumption rates in the world, has taken a unique approach—not banning vaping, but legalizing and strictly regulating it. In this article, we delve into how vaping is regulated in Indonesia, whether you can bring vapes into the country, and what penalties exist for violations.

Legal Framework: How Electronic Cigarettes Are Regulated in Indonesia

New Health Law No. 17 of 2023

Electronic cigarettes are officially recognized as addictive substances in Indonesia. This designation is outlined in Health Law No. 17 of 2023, which equates vape products with tobacco and alcoholic goods. As a result, the vape market now operates under the oversight of the Ministries of Health, Finance, and Trade.

Legalization, Licensing, and Manufacturer Obligations

Production, sale, and importation of electronic cigarettes are permitted in Indonesia under specific conditions:

Possession of a trade license issued by the relevant authorities.
Product registration for excise taxation (including nicotine-containing liquids).
Clear labeling of ingredients, nicotine concentration, and appropriate packaging.

Taking cues from countries with advanced regulatory systems like the UK and New Zealand, Indonesia has implemented strict standards for product quality and distribution conditions.

Age Restrictions and Control Measures

Under national legislation, it is prohibited to sell electronic cigarettes and nicotine-containing liquids to individuals under 18. This is enforced via directives from the Ministry of Trade and regional regulations across most provinces. Some areas—such as Jakarta and Bandung—have introduced tighter age verification and enhanced monitoring of both retail and online sales.

A new regulation is also underway that will require all vape products to carry “18+” labeling, and all online stores are already mandated to implement age checks during ordering and delivery.

Financial Aspects: Taxes and Excise Duties

Electronic cigarettes are classified as excisable goods in Indonesia. This means they are subject to an excise tax upon sale and importation, regulated by the Ministry of Finance. The rate depends on nicotine content and liquid volume, ranging from 57% to 60% of the retail price.

To legally operate in the vape industry, entities must:

Obtain excise taxpayer status.
Affix special excise tax stamps to the liquids (similar to cigarette stamps).
Submit export declarations (PEB - Pemberitahuan Ekspor Barang) for cross-border transactions.

These measures aim to balance public health concerns with creating a transparent economic environment around the industry.

Where You Can Vape in Indonesia

Vaping restrictions often mirror those applied to traditional smoking. Below is a basic breakdown:

Vaping is Prohibited in:

Government buildings (including courts, municipal offices, and police stations).
Medical facilities—hospitals, clinics, pharmacies.
Educational institutions—schools, colleges, universities.
Public transportation, including airports and train stations.
Designated “Kawasan Tanpa Rokok” (No Smoking Areas).

Vaping is Allowed in:

Designated smoking areas.
Open spaces with no prohibitive signage.
Private establishments (cafés, bars, clubs) unless otherwise restricted by internal policies.

Keep in mind that regional differences apply: tourist zones like Bali and Lombok are more lenient, while central business areas in Jakarta enforce stricter regulations.

⚠️ Penalties for Violations

Violating vaping restrictions in prohibited areas can result in administrative fines ranging from IDR 100,000 to 500,000 (approx. USD 6–30). In some regions, authorities may also detain violators and confiscate their devices. Since laws are enforced locally, always refer to the latest regional regulations.

Government Perspective: Why Vaping Was Legalized Instead of Banned

Indonesian authorities chose regulation over prohibition. Key reasons include:

Economics: Indonesia is the largest tobacco producer in Southeast Asia. A complete ban could severely impact employment and tax revenues.
Harm Reduction: Some officials at the Ministry of Health view e-cigarettes as a potentially less harmful alternative to conventional smoking.
Quality Control: Legalization enables regulation of the market and reduces illegal distribution of uncertified products.

The official stance is that well-structured regulation is a more sustainable solution than outright prohibition.

Popularity Among Youth and Usage Trends

According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health’s 2023 report, the percentage of adolescents (ages 10–18) who regularly smoke tobacco dropped from 9.1% in 2018 to 7.4% in 2023. However, it’s too early to conclude that vaping is directly responsible for the decline.

Some officials believe that vaping has drawn youth away from cigarettes, creating an alternative avenue. Nonetheless, international organizations including WHO warn of rising nicotine dependency risks when controls are inadequate.

Can Tourists Bring Vapes into Indonesia?

Tourists and expats are allowed to bring electronic cigarettes and liquids for personal use, subject to the following restrictions:

Maximum of one device and two spare cartridges, or up to 250 ml of liquid.
Larger quantities (e.g., 4–5 devices or 1 liter of liquid) may be considered commercial imports and require declaration.
Liquids must be in original, sealed packaging with listed ingredients and nicotine content.

Violation of these rules could result in confiscation, fines, or denial of entry.

Quick Guide: What Tourists Should Know About Vaping in Indonesia

Yes, electronic cigarettes are legal.
Purchase and use are allowed only for those 18 and older.
Vaping is banned on public transport, in schools, hospitals, and government buildings.
Fines for violations can reach up to IDR 500,000 (~USD 30).
You may bring your own device as long as it’s for personal use.
Public vaping is mostly tolerated in Bali but restricted in Jakarta.
In shops and cafés, look for signs reading “Vape Friendly” or “No Smoking/Vaping”.

Conclusion

Electronic cigarettes are officially permitted in Indonesia but are regulated as nicotine-containing products. Vaping legalization comes with a strict licensing system, excise duties, age restrictions, and usage bans in many public places.

The government aims to reduce the harms of traditional smoking while benefiting economically from the legal vape trade. Thus, Indonesia’s approach to vaping is balanced—it is not banned, but it is not entirely unrestricted either. Tourists, expats, and entrepreneurs should thoroughly research and comply with local regulations, especially when traveling between regions.