Bulgaria Proposes Full Ban on Vapes

Bulgaria’s GERB-SDS party, backed by the left-wing coalition BSP-Left Union and “Vazrazhdane,” is pushing for a complete ban on the sale of vaping products and energy drinks to minors. Social Minister Borislav Gutsanov supports the initiative, while DPS-New Beginning leader Delian Peevski suggests stricter import controls instead of an outright ban. The Ombudsman’s Office has also called for closing legal loopholes that allow minors to purchase vapes.

Despite the growing debate, no formal bill has been submitted to parliament, leaving the specifics unclear. Critics argue that the government lacks the capacity to regulate online sales of unregistered and potentially dangerous vaping devices, while physical stores already adhere to strict regulations. The proposed ban could also impact adult users who rely on vaping as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, which contain 98% of the toxic substances found in cigarette smoke, according to medical studies.

Mixed Reactions from Political Parties

While GERB, BSP, and “Vazrazhdane” support the ban, other parties like PP-DB, “There Is Such a People,” and DPS have yet to take a clear stance. Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of “Vazrazhdane,” expressed confidence that the bill would gain cross-party support, emphasizing the need for a full ban rather than just restricting advertising.

Delian Peevski of DPS proposed a more targeted approach, advocating for a ban on “semi-legal imports of cheap, low-quality products from dubious countries” while allowing regulated imports from the EU and the U.S. He called for stronger customs and tax controls to curb illegal sales.

Read more: Bulgaria to Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes Starting 2024

Ombudsman Calls for Stronger Regulations

The Ombudsman’s Office has urged Health Minister Silvi Kirilov to address legislative gaps that enable minors to purchase tobacco and related products. They recommended stricter controls on advertising, sales, and distribution, both in physical stores and online. The office also highlighted the need to regulate other harmful substances, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and alcohol, which pose risks to children’s health.

Under existing laws, vape sales are prohibited for individuals under 18 and restricted to licensed physical stores. Products cannot be displayed openly or sold through vending machines, and advertising is strictly banned. Manufacturers and importers must notify the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Health six months before launching a product, providing detailed information on ingredients and emissions.

Bulgaria maintains a Public Register of notified e-cigarettes, allowing consumers to verify product legality. However, the primary issue lies with unregulated online platforms that sell devices to minors without disclosing the contents of e-liquids.

Days before the announcement, the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP) shut down two websites selling illegal vapes and reportedly made arrests. However, details remain scarce, raising questions about the effectiveness of current enforcement measures.

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