Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has promulgated a law banning the sale of all electronic cigarettes, including nicotine-free versions, to individuals under 18. The legislation aims to protect youth by restricting sales channels, eliminating vending machines, and prohibiting vaping and smoking inside school premises.
The decision makes Romania one of the early nations in the European Union to extend sales bans to nicotine-free e-cigarettes, addressing rising concerns over youth nicotine initiation.
Strict Penalties and Age Verification at Point of Sale
Under the new legal framework, retailers face fines of up to 100,000 RON for selling restricted products to minors. To ensure compliance, vendors are legally authorized to request official identification from buyers to verify their age. The ban covers e-cigarettes, refill bottles, heated tobacco devices, and oral nicotine pouches.
The law targets accessibility by banning the sale of tobacco and vape products via automated vending machines and delivery lockers where age verification is impossible. Furthermore, schools must introduce disciplinary measures in their internal regulations for students caught possessing or using these products on campus.
Industry Reaction and Enforcement Concerns
Industry leaders have expressed support for the measures while emphasizing the need for strict enforcement. British American Tobacco (BAT), the market leader in Romania, welcomed the decision to restrict access points that bypass age checks.
Ileana Dumitru, External Relations Director for Southeast Europe at BAT, stated: “The elimination of the possibility of marketing these products through vending machines or easyboxes, where the buyer’s age cannot be verified in any way, represents a sign of normality and responsibility.”
Dumitru added that the real impact of these changes depends on the active involvement of competent authorities, such as the Ministry of Health, the National Authority for Consumer Protection, and local police, in applying the sanctions.
