Duhok imposes ban on vapes with deadline for closure

DUHOK — Authorities in Duhok have issued a directive for all vape and electronic cigarette shops to cease operations and end sales by Feb. 15, 2024, as part of the city’s crackdown on vape products initiated on Jan. 4, 2024.

Despite the closure of several outlets, numerous shops continue to sell vape products.

Chakdar Karim, a local vape shop owner, voiced his concerns to 964media, “This decision has significant financial implications for us without due consideration or process.

“I own three shops with inventory valued at over $100,000 in vapes and electronic cigarettes. I’m still selling them and believe it’s unfair to enforce closure and ban sales without considering the financial impact on us.”

Despite the ban, vape products are still available online, a fact that the market surveillance committee acknowledges.

Millet Zikri, head of the committee in Duhok, informed 964media that vape-selling shops have until Feb. 10 to 15, 2024, to shut down, with no final decision yet on stopping enforcement of the ban.

“After the market ban on vape sales, the committee will continue its investigations and monitoring, including online sales. Anyone found selling these products illegally or online will face investigation by local police,” he added.

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