Poland Expands Vape Sales Ban to Protect Youth
Poland’s Minister of Health, Izabela Leszczyna, announced that starting January 1, 2025, the sale of all vape brands, including nicotine-free e-liquids, will be prohibited for individuals under 18 years old. The move comes as part of a revised Tobacco Law aimed at reducing vaping among young people.
Comprehensive Ban on Vape Sales to Minors
According to a July 25 report by Samorzadowy Portal, Minister Leszczyna stated that the new restrictions will close loopholes in the existing law.
She explained, “Nicotine-containing products have already been banned, but these so-called ‘nicotine-free’ vapes are no different—they come in flavors like watermelon or strawberry and still attract young users.”
She added that there will be no online sales, no advertisements, and no vending machine sales allowed for such products, emphasizing, “We don’t want our children and teenagers to fall into this terrible addiction.”
Revised Tobacco Law Out for Public Consultation
The draft amendment to the Law on the Protection of Health from the Consequences of the Use of Tobacco and Tobacco Products—originally enacted on November 9, 1995—is currently open for public comment.
Lawmakers argue that this revision is urgently needed to combat the growing use of vapes among young people. The new version of the law will bring nicotine-free vaping oils and devices under the same regulatory framework as nicotine products.
New Restrictions and Compliance Requirements
Under the amendment, the following restrictions will apply:
-
Sales are banned to anyone under 18 years old
-
Ban on vending machines and online sales
-
Prohibition of advertising and promotion
-
Limitations on where products can be used
Manufacturers will also face new compliance obligations. The Director of the Chemical Substances Administration will oversee reports on product ingredients to ensure they meet legal standards, such as banning substances with carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR) properties, and requiring proper labeling on all packaging.
Addressing the Risks of “Nicotine-Free” Vapes
The Ministry’s program notes emphasize that so-called “nicotine-free” vaping products are not harmless. Officials warn that their growing popularity increases the likelihood of youth exposure to tobacco products and paves the way for nicotine addiction later on.
“The popularity of nicotine-free products increases the risk of young people being exposed to tobacco products, just as vaping containing nicotine does,” the document states.
Implementation Timeline
The new legislation will take effect three months after its official publication, marking another significant step in Poland’s broader effort to curb youth vaping and strengthen tobacco control.
