The Netherlands plans to raise the legal age to buy cigarettes and vapes to 21, while sharply increasing fines for illegal sales of vapes, severely restricting online sales, and investing in awareness campaigns aimed at achieving a smoke-free society by 2040.
Key points:
1. The Dutch government plans to raise the age for smoking and vape purchases to 21.
2. The new proposal would tighten restrictions on the online sale and advertising of vapes.
3. The Dutch government will spend €3 million on information campaigns and plans to levy a surcharge on tobacco companies for health promotion.
Netherlands to raise vape purchase age to 21
The Netherlands plans to raise the legal age for buying cigarettes and vapes from 18 to 21 as part of a major initiative to curb nicotine addiction.
New proposals from the Ministry of Health suggest raising the legal age to buy cigarettes and vapes. At the same time, fines for illegal sales of vapes will be significantly increased, and the government will also strictly restrict online sales and marketing strategies aimed at young people.
According to the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), nearly a quarter of 12 – to 16-year-olds have tried vapes in 2023. Despite a ban on flavored vapes last year, they are still widely sold online. As a result. The Dutch government has now stepped up its regulatory efforts, including doubling fines for illegal sales and tighter controls on where and how vapes are sold. Stores will no longer be able to sell flashy vape accessories, and all vapes will come in plain packaging similar to traditional cigarettes.
Dutch State Secretary Vincent Karremans said the new rules were part of a plan to achieve a smoke-free society by 2040. The Dutch government has also invested €3 million in an awareness campaign aimed at educating parents and teenagers about the dangers of vapes, with more crackdowns on offending retailers expected in the future.
The new proposal is now before Parliament, where members will consider public and industry feedback before making a final decision. The government is also considering requiring tobacco companies to pay a surcharge to fund health promotion and prevention programs.
