Slovakia’s Ministry of Health has announced plans to ban disposable e-cigarettes and flavored nicotine products starting in 2026. The initiative, aimed at curbing youth addiction, faces opposition from the Ministry of Finance over projected budget deficits and conflicts with existing excise tax laws.
The Ministry of Health intends to submit the draft legislation to parliament in November 2025. The ban targets disposable vapes alongside tobacco products featuring fruit, candy, or dessert flavors designed to appeal to children and teenagers.
However, the Ministry of Finance refuses to support the proposal. Officials stated the ban would negatively affect the public administration budget and the business environment, noting it contradicts a recently passed excise tax amendment that already taxes these products.
Health experts support the restriction, citing immediate physical risks to young users. Cardiologist Jaroslava Bernátová warned that high nicotine doses lead to collapses, attention deficits, and anxiety among youth. “Heating the carrier substance of electronic cigarettes produces toxic substances, such as formaldehyde, which is inhaled,” Bernátová stated.
