Polish President Andrzej Duda has signed into law an amendment prohibiting the sale of all electronic cigarettes (vapes) and nicotine pouches to individuals under the age of 18. The law, previously approved by the Sejm (lower house of parliament) with 417 votes in favor, will take effect two weeks after its official publication.
The amendment to the Act on Health Protection against the Consequences of Using Tobacco and Tobacco Products mandates that the sale of e-cigarettes (including nicotine-free versions) and nicotine pouches to those under 18 is forbidden. It also bans the sale of these products via the internet and in vending machines, and prohibits their advertising. Shops will be required to display notices about these restrictions.
Furthermore, the use of e-cigarettes with nicotine-free liquid will be banned in public places where nicotine-containing vapes are already prohibited, such as public transport stops, restaurants, playgrounds, and schools. This move aligns Poland with other European countries like France and Belgium, which have also recently tightened regulations on e-cigarettes, particularly disposables, citing youth health and environmental concerns.
