The Polish government has officially launched legislative procedures to ban the sale of flavored heated tobacco products (HTPs). This regulatory push, confirmed by Deputy Health Minister Wojciech Konieczny, aims to align Poland with a European Union directive following formal warnings from the European Commission regarding implementation delays.
The draft bill is expected to reach parliament shortly. While the government plans to consult with tobacco manufacturers to discuss the transition, officials indicate that the ban could be enforced by next year.
The European Commission’s directive was introduced in response to a sharp rise in HTP sales across the EU. These devices heat tobacco to generate a nicotine-infused aerosol. Health authorities warn that this vapor still contains harmful chemicals inhaled by users, necessitating stricter market controls.
Alongside the flavored HTP ban, Polish Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna announced that the ministry is exploring a rapid ban on disposable e-cigarettes. This dual approach is heavily driven by youth health concerns, as recent data reveals that 64% of young people in Poland have used disposable vaping products.
