Luxembourg Continues to Allow Sale of Disposable E-Cigarettes
Despite recent bans on the sale of single-use electronic cigarettes in Belgium and potential similar measures in France, Luxembourg has decided to continue allowing these products to be sold within its borders. The country’s Ministry of Health confirmed that a prohibition on these devices, which are particularly popular among youth, is not currently under consideration.
In a statement, the ministry explained its position, saying, “We are observing and analyzing the measures taken abroad. This allows us to evaluate the impact of these initiatives and potentially identify additional measures that could be considered in Luxembourg.”
When asked about the potential impact of increased sales of disposable vapes in Luxembourg due to bans in neighboring countries, the administration stated that there are no specific studies available to predict the effects of these measures. However, it was noted that tobacco tourism remains a thriving business in Luxembourg.
Precise statistics on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes are not currently available in Luxembourg. However, starting from April 1, 2025, concrete sales data will be collected through the obligation to affix tax stamps on vaporization products and the registration of points of sale with the Administration des Douanes et Accises.
The Cancer Foundation annually analyzes the consumption habits of Luxembourg residents. In 2023, 36% of 16-24-year-olds and 25% of 25-34-year-olds reported vaping, representing an increase of 15 and 5 percentage points, respectively, compared to 2022.
Luxembourg is set to amend its law on tobacco products in the near future. In October 2023, former Minister of Health Paulette Lenert (LSAP) introduced Bill 8333 to transpose European Directive 2022/2100/EU, which focused on removing certain exceptions for heated tobacco products.
The draft was amended by current Minister of Health Martine Deprez (CSV) to include regulations for nicotine pouches, specifically aiming to prohibit certain flavors and limit the nicotine content of these products. However, the bill, which is currently in committee, does not address disposable e-cigarettes, much to the disappointment of the Cancer Foundation.
In a September 2024 statement, the foundation called for a complete ban on nicotine pouches instead of simple regulation, as well as a prohibition on disposable e-cigarettes. The Cancer Foundation, which is committed to the national strategy “Tobacco-Free Generation 2040” alongside 37 partners, believes that banning disposable e-cigarettes and all new nicotine-containing products is essential to achieving this public health goal.
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