Poland’s Ministry of Health has advanced a landmark draft bill to ban the sale of non-nicotine e-cigarettes to minors under the age of 18. Announced by Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna, the legislation aims to curb early smoking habits by closing existing legal loopholes that previously allowed minors to purchase nicotine-free vapes legally.
Under the new regulations, both disposable and reusable nicotine-free electronic cigarettes will face the same age restrictions as nicotine-containing products. Additionally, the bill outlaws the sale of these products through vending machines and online platforms to prevent easy access for youth.
Parallel to this effort, Poland is implementing an EU directive to ban characterizing flavors in novel tobacco products, such as heated tobacco sticks. These flavored products currently account for approximately 80% of the novel tobacco market in Poland.
To further deter consumption, the Polish government has approved a progressive excise tax increase on cigarettes, smoking tobacco, and cigars spanning 2025 to 2027.
| Product Type | 2025 Increase | 2026 Increase | 2027 Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cigarettes (Specific Excise) | +25% | +20% | +15% |
| Smoking Tobacco | +38% | +30% | +22% |
| Cigars & Cigarillos | +25% | +20% | +15% |
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that the combination of sales bans and increased excise taxes is designed to protect public health, particularly by preventing young people from developing lifelong nicotine addictions.
