Lithuania Bans Sale of Flavored Vapes Starting November

Starting November, Lithuania will prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes and refills containing liquid with sugar and sweeteners. This move aims to further tighten the availability of flavored tobacco products in the market.

Rytis Jokubauskas, Vice President of the Consumer Alliance, stresses that decisions to restrict harmful products are logical and the State’s role in this regulation is necessary. He explains, “The ban on flavored e-cigarettes, liquids, and refills is important to protect public health, especially vulnerable groups like youth. E-cigarette marketing often targets them, and consumers do not always receive objective and comprehensive information about the consequences of e-cigarette use.”

Retailers Pay Fines but Continue to Sell

In officially operating e-cigarette stores in Lithuania, one can easily notice that after introducing the flavored tobacco ban, only the names disappeared from product packaging. However, upon asking the sellers, they can provide detailed information about different e-cigarette flavors. These dishonest actions, according to the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority (VVTAT), complicate the work of institutions because individual samples need to be sent to laboratories for testing. Nevertheless, the tests are often successful, finding prohibited substances in the samples.

VVTAT representatives state, “Since the ban on e-cigarettes and their refill liquids with flavors and fragrances (except tobacco) came into force on July 1, 2022, VVTAT has examined 23 cases and decided to impose fines ranging from 750 to 2000 Euros. Some companies have been fined for repeated violations. Most decisions have been appealed to the court, but there are companies that have paid the fine.”

Also Read:
Lithuanian Support Flavor Ban on E-cigarettes, Set to Take Effect in May Next Year

Dishonest Activities Cost All Taxpayers

VVTAT reveals to Elta that law enforcement requires significant human and financial resources not only for inspecting physical points of sale, sampling, and testing but also for legal proceedings. All these expenses are paid from the state budget, meaning they are covered by the funds of every Lithuanian citizen. The heads of the National Association of Tobacco Manufacturers (NTGA) and the Association of Innovative Tobacco Products note that there is a lack of stricter control in the market and a lack of integrity among sellers themselves.

Arnas Neverauskas, Executive Director of NTGA, points out that their association members do not supply any e-cigarettes and/or their refills to the Lithuanian market and take compliance with laws and regulations responsibly.

Representatives of the Association of Innovative Tobacco Products tell Elta that compliance with legal acts and restrictions must be implemented equally for everyone. They believe that both businesses and consumers themselves should understand why it is necessary to comply with the rules, and institutions should ensure that everyone follows the rules equally.

VVTAT reveals to Elta that changes in regulation are expected from November 1, when amendments to the Law on Tobacco, Tobacco Products, and Related Products Control come into force. According to them, control will be clearer and simpler, so they expect to implement the law enforcement better.

News source: Nuo lapkričio – pokyčiai prekyboje elektroninėmis cigaretėmis ir jų pildyklėmis

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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.