Canada: Quebec Probes Loopholes in 2023 Vape Flavor Ban
The National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) has launched an initiative to uncover how vapers are actively bypassing the province’s 2023 ban on flavored e-cigarettes. Driven by a February poll showing a majority of adult vapers still consume non-tobacco flavors, the health agency is targeting specialty vape shops and the rising use of flavor enhancers to close regulatory loopholes.
According to three existing INSPQ reports, the flavor ban has been highly effective in mainstream retail environments. Sales of flavored e-liquids have practically ceased at convenience stores and branded gas stations across the province.
However, the 2023 Quebec Survey on Tobacco and Vaping Products reveals a distinct shift in consumer behavior. Adult vapers are now predominantly turning to specialized boutiques and independent retailers to source their preferred products, effectively undermining the ban’s intent.
A major focus of the upcoming research is the emergence of “flavor enhancers.” Media reports indicate that consumers are circumventing the restrictions by purchasing legal, unflavored vape liquids alongside separate liquid flavorings, which they mix themselves.
To thoroughly document this market evolution, INSPQ intends to mandate Euromonitor International, an independent market research firm. The goals of this partnership include:
- Understanding the supply chain and inventory of specialty boutiques.
- Tracking the sales volume and popularity of flavor enhancers.
- Compiling comprehensive data on the number and market density of vape shops in Quebec, which currently lack centralized sales reporting.
Because the INSPQ lacks the internal expertise to conduct specialized retail tracking, Euromonitor plans to utilize field visits, interviews, and multiple data sources to compile the report. The firm already provides similar intelligence to Health Canada.
While INSPQ considers Euromonitor uniquely qualified for this specific contract, other interested suppliers have until May 27 to submit competing bids before the institute makes a final decision or issues a formal call for tenders.
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