Dutch Health Minister Hermans announced the crackdown following reports that nine out of ten vapers in the Netherlands use illegal e-cigarettes. Currently, the consumer safety authority (NVWA) can only confiscate illicit vapes if active trading is proven. The proposed law will close this loophole by outlawing bulk possession outright.
The possession ban will target commercial-scale stockpiles rather than individual users, though the exact threshold is still being determined. Additionally, the government is targeting dealers who heavily market illegal, flavored vapes to youth via social media platforms like Snapchat and TikTok.
While current fines for violating the flavor ban range up to €7,000, Minister Hermans intends to “significantly increase” these maximums. This enforcement push aligns with broader plans by the government coalition to raise the minimum tobacco purchase age to 21.
