Poland Vape Ban Postponed Until 2025 Amid Concerns

In a press conference held on Monday, Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna announced that the much-anticipated ban on e-cigarette sales in Poland will not come into effect until the beginning of 2025. The delay in implementation, initially scheduled for the start of the summer, is attributed to the ongoing legislative process and the necessity to conduct consultations in line with European Union directives.

Legislative Process Requires EU Notification and Consultations

Minister Leszczyna expressed her keen interest in having the law come into effect before the summer. However, the process of notifying the European Union and the uncertainty surrounding the duration of this procedure have led to a more realistic implementation date of early 2025.

“I was very keen for this law to come into effect before the summer. However, it turned out that it must be notified. We do not know how long this process will take, so the realistic date for this law to come into force is the beginning of next year.” – Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna

The Ministry of Health is currently working on three draft bills related to the e-cigarette ban. One of these bills, which implements the EU directive and includes definitions of heated tobacco products and a ban on characteristic flavors in novel heated products, has already been submitted for consultation. The remaining two projects, focusing on sales rules on a narrow and broad scale, are set to be sent for consultation by the end of the week.

Alarming E-cigarette Use Among Polish Students

The delay in implementing the vape ban comes amidst growing concerns over the prevalence of e-cigarette use among Polish students. A recent survey conducted by the Association for Lung Cancer Prevention Szczecin Branch in December 2023 and January 2024 revealed that 6 out of 10 primary and secondary school students smoke or use nicotine products daily or occasionally.

Rafał Molenda, a representative from the Association for Lung Cancer Prevention Szczecin Branch, highlighted the alarming trend of e-cigarettes replacing traditional cigarettes in Polish schools. The survey results indicated that 7 out of 10 students who use e-cigarettes cited flavor and scent as the primary reasons for their popularity, with disposable e-cigarettes featuring sweet, dessert, or fruity flavors being particularly appealing to young users.

Existing Tobacco Regulations Insufficient

While Poland has long-standing regulations prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors, these measures have not yielded the desired results in curbing e-cigarette use among the youth. The proposed law banning the sale of e-cigarettes aims to address this issue more effectively.

As the legislative process continues and consultations with the European Union progress, the Polish government remains committed to implementing the e-cigarette ban to safeguard public health, particularly that of young people. The delay in implementation until 2025 underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the growing problem of e-cigarette use among Polish students.

News Source: Zakaz e-papierosów dopiero w 2025

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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.