Netherlands Sees Significant Decline in Vaping Following Flavor Ban, RIVM Reports

Vape Laws in The Netherlands

The ban on flavored e-cigarettes and vapes in the Netherlands appears to be making an impact, according to a preliminary evaluation by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). The report reveals that vaping has significantly decreased among Dutch vapers, with one in five completely quitting since the ban was implemented last year.

The RIVM conducted a survey of over 500 adolescents and young adults, as well as more than 450 adults, to assess their vaping habits. The results showed that 40 percent of respondents had reduced their use of e-cigarettes due to the ban, while 22 percent reported having stopped vaping entirely. The RIVM noted that there were no significant differences in these trends among the various age groups studied.

Daily use of vapes among these age groups dropped from 29 to 18 percent, while weekly use fell from 30 to 14 percent. Monthly use also saw a sharp decline, dropping from 42 to 16 percent.

Interestingly, most consumers who quit vaping did not seek out substitutes, such as purchasing flavors through illegal channels or transitioning to more harmful products. Those who did opt for illegal flavors primarily sourced them from physical stores in neighboring Germany, according to the RIVM’s findings.

In light of these results, the public health institute is advocating for a European Union-wide ban on flavored vapes. The RIVM believes that such a measure would enhance the effectiveness of the ban by making cross-border purchases more challenging.

The Netherlands’ experience with the flavored vape ban offers valuable insights into the potential impact of such policies on vaping habits, particularly among younger populations. As more countries grapple with the public health challenges posed by e-cigarettes and vapes, the RIVM’s findings may inform future regulatory decisions and strategies to curb vaping rates.

Matthew Ma
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