The Austrian National Council has adopted new regulations banning the addition of flavorings to heated tobacco products and tightening warning labeling requirements for tobacco products. The measure is part of an EU directive that will be fully implemented by May 31, 2026. Although vapes are not affected, some political parties have called for the ban to be extended to include a ban on smoking in playgrounds and a ban on disposable vapes.
Core Watch:
- Flavoring ban: Flavoring of heated tobacco products is banned, but vapes are not affected.
- Tighter labeling: Mandatory health warnings on all “smoking tobacco products”, with a transition period until May 31, 2026
- Political controversy: The Liberal Party (FPÖ) and the Green Party argue that the ban is insufficient, with the Greens proposing a ban on smoking in playgrounds and disposable vapes, which fails to pass.
- FOLLOW-UP: Health officials promised further protection for non-smokers, with a final decision to be announced in the fall.
Austria to ban flavoring of heated tobacco
On July 10, 5Min. reported that flavoring will no longer be allowed in “heated tobacco products” in Austria, a rule that the National Council unanimously approved. However, vapes are not affected.
Austria is in the process of implementing an EU directive with the revision of the Tobacco and Non-Smokers Protection Act. Labeling regulations are also being tightened. There will no longer be any exceptions to the warning requirement if the product is a “smoking tobacco product”. Products that have already been manufactured or placed on the market may still be sold until May 31, 2026, at the latest.
The amendment received a broad majority in the National Assembly. In addition to the ruling Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), the Socialist Party (SPÖ) and the New Nicotine Party (NEOS), opposition parties also voted in favor.
However, both the Freedom Party (FPÖ) and the Greens argued that the ban was not strong enough and advocated for other nicotine products to be included in the regulation. The Freedom Party emphasized, however, that they did not want to “bash smokers” in the same way as the other parties.
The Greens also called for a ban on smoking in playgrounds and a ban on the use of disposable vapes, but the corresponding motion failed to win a majority. State Secretary for Health Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig (SP) promised further measures to protect non-smokers.
She said the implementation of the EU directive was mandatory and a final decision would be announced in the fall.
