Poland’s Ministry of Health has officially delayed its proposed ban on e-cigarettes until 2025, citing mandatory European Union notification protocols. Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna announced the postponement during a press conference, explaining that while the government aimed to enforce the ban before the summer holidays, aligning the bill with EU tobacco directives has extended the legislative process.
The delay is primarily driven by the need to implement an EU directive that introduces a formal definition of heated tobacco products and bans characteristic flavorings in novel heated tobacco devices. Unlike the United Kingdom, which moved faster with its domestic restrictions, Poland must navigate a multi-month EU notification period before the laws can take effect.
Currently, the Ministry of Health is reviewing three distinct draft bills:
- One bill implementing the EU directive, which has already entered the public consultation phase.
- Two additional bills designed to regulate the scope of e-cigarette sales restrictions.
The urgency for legislative action is underscored by alarming local data regarding youth nicotine consumption. A survey conducted by the Szczecin branch of the Lung Cancer Prevention Association revealed that 6 out of 10 primary and secondary school students use nicotine products daily or occasionally.
According to Rafał Molenda of the association, disposable e-cigarettes featuring sweet, dessert, or fruity flavors have largely replaced traditional cigarettes in Polish schools. Seven out of ten youth vapers cited appealing tastes and smells as the primary reasons for their usage. Although selling tobacco to minors is already illegal in Poland, authorities admit the current restrictions are failing, making the upcoming comprehensive ban a necessity.
- News source: Zakaz e-papierosów dopiero w 2025
