Bulgaria to Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes Starting 2024

The Bulgarian government has proposed a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes with characteristic taste-aromatic qualities and flavorings in any of their constituent parts, such as filters, paper, packaging, capsules, or other technical elements. The Council of Ministers submitted the bill for amendments to the Law on Tobacco and Tobacco-Related Products to the Parliament’s Registry on October 2nd.

New Labeling Requirements for Heated Tobacco Products

Until now, tobacco companies were not obligated to include health warnings on the packaging of heated tobacco products. However, the new bill clarifies that when heated cigarettes fall into the smokeless category, the labeling requirements for smokeless tobacco products should apply to them.

The bill also prohibits tobacco products that contain additives in quantities that significantly increase the toxic effect, addictive properties, or carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxic properties of the product at the time of consumption.

Concerns Over Unregulated Nicotine Products

Currently, nicotine-containing tobacco substitutes are freely sold without proper regulation. These products are available with varying nicotine contents, ranging from 6 to 50 mg, and young people, including children, can purchase and use them without restrictions. The project’s reasons cite growing public concern about the use of such products by children.

Transition Period for Non-Compliant Products

Electronic cigarettes, refillable containers, and smoking products other than tobacco products that do not meet the requirements of this law, but were manufactured or placed on the market before the law’s entry into force, may continue to be offered and sold until supplies last, but no later than January 1, 2024. The same applies to heated tobacco products that do not meet the law’s requirements and were manufactured or placed on the market until October 23, 2023.

Bulgaria Enforces Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products by Law in 2024

In compliance with the European Commission’s directive, Bulgaria has ratified amendments to the law on tobacco and tobacco products, which will withdraw all tobacco products featuring flavors other than tobacco from sale by January 1, 2024. Failure to comply with this regulation might lead to criminal proceedings against the country.

The objective behind these amendments is to reduce the appeal of heated tobacco products, particularly by eliminating flavored options. Additionally, every package of heated tobacco products will be required to display a warning highlighting the associated risks during use.

The Ministry of Economy and Industry will be responsible for prohibiting tobacco products containing additives that significantly increase toxicity, addictive properties, or pose risks of cancer, mutations, or reproductive toxicity under the updated law.

The enactment of these legislative changes is pending their official publication in the State Gazette.

News source:
Bulgaria: No More Flavored E-Cigarettes from 2024
Bulgaria: Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products Enforced by Law in 2024

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.