Croatia to Ban Flavored Vapes & Sales to Under-18s
The Croatian Government has approved significant amendments to its Law on Tobacco and Related Products, introducing a comprehensive ban on all characterizing aromas in heated tobacco products and extending existing prohibitions to cover flavored vapes and nicotine pouches. The new legislation also explicitly bans the sale of all such products to individuals under the age of 18.
This move, long advocated by health experts and the Children’s Ombudsperson, aims to tackle the rising popularity of flavored smoking and vaping products among young people. While flavored cigarettes and rolling tobacco were already prohibited, various newer products like vapes and nicotine pouches had previously been exempt. Health Minister Irena Hrstić confirmed, “Exemptions are being abolished, and aromas will no longer be allowed in heated tobacco products. These products will also be specially labelled, and the sale to anyone under the age of 18 will be banned.”
The Children’s Ombudsperson had expressed concern that sweet and fruity flavors made these products appealing to minors, often masking the sensation and harm of nicotine use. The new law aligns Croatia with EU regulations and introduces a new definition for heated tobacco products. Fines for violations, such as smoking or vaping in prohibited public spaces or within 20 meters of healthcare/educational institutions, remain at €130, now denominated in euros. The amendments will soon be voted on in Parliament.
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