BACKGROUND: Successful challenges to bans of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) in Mexico resulted in injunctions allowing selected sellers to sell HTPs and Philip Morris Mexico to import HTPs. The 2023 Global Adult Tobacco Survey reports low current use of e-cigarettes (2.1%) and HTPs (0.2%). This study describes the availability of these products across seven Mexican cities.
METHODS: Data were collected in April 2024 across Cancun, Guadalajara, La Paz, Mexico City, Monterrey, Toluca and Tuxtla Gutiérrez. A representative sample of 553 POS (i.e., grocery stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, liquor stores, department stores, tobacco/vape shops) was selected across 12 basic geostatistical areas in each city, stratified by socioeconomic level. Data collectors visited each POS to document e-cigarette and HTP display and any advertising or promotion. All statistics reported are weighted.
RESULTS: Overall, e-cigarettes (1%) and HTPs (3%) were rarely observed with variation across cities (non-significant, p<.001, respectively) and POS types (p<.05, p<.001, respectively). E-cigarettes were only observed in Guadalajara (4%) and Mexico City (1%), primarily displayed by cashiers. HTPs were observed in Guadalajara (5%), Mexico City (4%), and Cancun (1%), also mostly near cashiers. E-cigarettes were observed in tobacco stores (50%), convenience stores (11%), drug stores (4%), department stores (2%) and liquor stores (1%). HTPs were observed in tobacco stores (50%), convenience stores (32%), and drug stores (7%). Both products were only found in high socioeconomic areas. Promotion was not observed for either product. HTP advertising appeared as part of the product display.
CONCLUSIONS: E-cigarettes and HTPs are concentrated in specific POS types and in certain Mexican cities. Where legal exceptions exist, enforcing the bans will remain challenging. Nevertheless, even with the exceptions, displaying these products is prohibited and should be strictly enforced, with special attention given to enforcement by the states and municipalities, considering the differences found across cities.