The Italian government will ban the online sale of nicotine-containing vapes starting January 2025. Announced by Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti, the decree restricts all legal purchases to physical retail outlets and tobacconists to combat tax evasion and unregulated foreign websites.
Protecting Retailers and National Tax Revenue
The ban follows requests from three major tobacco associations. Mario Antonelli, President of the Tobacco Merchants Association, argued that online sales must be prohibited to protect the country’s 48,000 tobacco shops.
Antonelli stated: “The illegal tobacco market is valued at around one billion euros, causing us to lose 120 million euros in revenue. The best way to protect tobacco shops is to ensure they have exclusive sales of nicotine products and to ban online sales.”
Demetrio Cuzzola, National Director of the Italian Tobacco Merchants’ Alliance, noted that the ban addresses a “proliferation” of unregulated foreign websites selling illegal vapes. Cuzzola also called for municipal governments to take responsibility for recycling single-use vapes, suggesting they be classified as batteries due to their small size.
New Licensing, Tax Stamps, and Advertising Rules
To support physical stores, the government is extending retail vape licenses from two to four years. Additionally, as of November 1, 2024, all liquid products sold by authorized retailers must display a tax stamp on the packaging.
This measure builds on existing Italian vape regulations. In-store vape advertisements via commercial campaigns or promotional flyers are banned. While retailers can display technical features and spice flavors, subjective promotional language intended to attract new customers is prohibited.
Existing Vaping Penalties and Taxes in Italy
Italy also enforces an indoor vaping ban under the Sirchia law, which prohibits vaping in public spaces, schools, hospitals, and restaurants. Violators face administrative fines of up to €275.
Currently, Italy taxes e-liquids containing nicotine at €0.13 per milliliter, while nicotine-free liquids are taxed at €0.08 per milliliter.
