WVS NEWS: Iraq’s Tobacco Harm Protection Bill - What’s Next for the Country

Iraq is on the brink of a significant regulatory milestone that could reshape the country’s tobacco and nicotine market — and potentially set the tone for regional policy across the Middle East. The proposed Tobacco Harm Protection Bill, currently under discussion in parliament, aims to modernise the country’s decade-old tobacco control framework by including emerging nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco.

Yet, despite the bill’s ambition, its future is uncertain. Iraq’s parliament is nearing the end of its legislative term, which officially concludes on 8 January 2026, with general elections scheduled for 11 November 2025. Between now and the end of the current cycle, lawmakers will have roughly seven working weeks to finalise and pass new laws — a narrow window that leaves little room for complex or controversial legislation.

From traditional tobacco to modern nicotine regulation

The draft bill, introduced to parliament in September 2023, seeks to replace Law 19 of 2012, which currently governs tobacco products in Iraq. That law, however, only addresses traditional tobacco — such as cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco — and does not provide clear guidance on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or heated tobacco devices, which have grown in popularity globally and regionally.

The Tobacco Harm Protection Bill would redefine “tobacco products” more broadly to include “any device using nicotine or tobacco contents mechanically,” effectively bringing e-cigarettes, vapes, and heated tobacco products under formal regulation for the first time. This marks an important step toward closing the legal gap that has left Iraq’s fast-growing alternative nicotine market largely unregulated.

Regional implications for the Middle East and North Africa

The significance of Iraq’s proposal extends beyond its borders. Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, governments are reassessing how to regulate nicotine products amid shifting consumer behaviours and a growing recognition of harm-reduction principles. Some countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, have already adopted regulated markets for e-cigarettes, allowing legal sales under controlled standards. Others continue to impose restrictions or outright bans.

If Iraq’s new legislation is enacted, it could signal a broader regulatory realignment in the region — especially among markets still operating under outdated tobacco laws. A clear legal framework for ENDS and heated products could attract legitimate investment, improve compliance, and reduce illicit trade, while also setting a precedent for neighbouring jurisdictions.

Timing and political uncertainty

The main challenge now lies in timing. With parliament currently in recess until after the November elections, legislative momentum has slowed. When sessions resume, competing political priorities may push the Tobacco Harm Protection Bill further down the agenda. If the bill is not passed before the parliamentary term expires, it may need to be reintroduced from scratch in the next session — a process that could delay regulatory clarity for another year or more.

That uncertainty leaves many in the vape manufacturing and distribution sectors watching closely. A defined regulatory structure could open pathways for market entry and compliance-based trade, while ongoing ambiguity continues to limit both business confidence and consumer protection.

What to expect next

Analysts suggest three possible outcomes:

1. Passage before year-end: If lawmakers act swiftly after elections, Iraq could adopt and begin implementing the law within months, paving the way for licensing, product registration, and enforcement measures.

2. Postponement to 2026: If debate stalls, the proposal may carry over into the next legislative term, forcing stakeholders to operate in regulatory limbo.

3. Revisions or withdrawal: Depending on political sentiment, the bill could face further amendments or delays, particularly if policymakers seek to balance public health goals with economic considerations.

The broader impact

For the global vape and alternative nicotine industry, Iraq’s decision could be a bellwether for how emerging markets in the region evolve. As more governments seek to modernise their tobacco laws, Iraq’s approach — whether progressive or cautious — will likely influence policy discussions in neighbouring states.

If passed, the Tobacco Harm Protection Bill would represent a major step toward aligning Iraq with international regulatory standards and acknowledging the role of harm-reduction products within public health frameworks. However, for now, the future remains uncertain — and the coming months will determine whether Iraq moves forward with reform or remains bound by its outdated tobacco laws.