The Belgian federal government has officially approved a ban on flavored e-cigarettes, restricting the market exclusively to tobacco flavors starting September 1, 2028. Driven by Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, this decisive action aims to dismantle the appeal of vaping among youths and prevent a new generation of nicotine dependency.
Minister Vandenbroucke strongly condemned the vaping industry, describing it as “criminal” for using appealing flavors like mint, apple, popcorn, and raspberry to mask harmful substances. Tests have shown that some devices even contain dangerous elements like pesticides and lead.
The new legislation aligns with the recommendations of Belgium’s Superior Health Council, which prioritized youth protection over adult consumer preferences. By implementing this ban, Belgium is closely modeling its approach on the neighboring Netherlands.
According to an evaluation by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), restricting vapes to tobacco flavors yielded significant public health results:
- Nearly 40% of users reduced their vaping frequency.
- 22% of users quit vaping completely due to the lack of appealing flavors.
This upcoming flavor ban is part of a sustained regulatory campaign in the country. Belgium previously led the European Union by banning disposable vapes at the end of 2024. The government will now formally notify the European Commission as it continues its push toward achieving a smoke-free generation by 2040.
