The Union of Vape Promoters and Entrepreneurs (UPEV) has presented a series of regulatory proposals to the European Commission in Brussels, calling for a “more effective” framework to restrict minor access during the ongoing revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). This initiative comes as Spain grapples with a massive illicit vaping market driven by a lack of administrative oversight.
UPEV argues that the European vaping debate must pivot toward practical issues, including youth protection, the rise of unregulated operators, and the environmental impact of disposable vapes. Rather than implementing outright bans, the association proposes establishing a mandatory registry for all authorized physical and online vape retailers.
“If a minor manages to buy an e-cigarette, the problem is not the product; it is the sales channel,” stated UPEV President Arturo Ribes. The proposed registry would strengthen age-verification protocols and streamline administrative supervision to weed out bad actors.
Additionally, UPEV cautioned against sweeping restrictions like flavor bans, pointing to Spain where 40% of currently sold vape products are already illicit. The association warns that further prohibitions will only exacerbate the black market, urging the EU to seize the TPD revision as an opportunity to build a modern, balanced regulatory framework.
