Austria Vape Laws 2024: Essential Guide

As we move into 2024, Austria continues to align its vaping regulations with the European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) while maintaining some unique national provisions. This guide offers an in-depth look at the current legal landscape for vapers and vape businesses in Austria.

Regulatory Framework

Austria bases its vape regulations on the BGBl No.4311995, which transposes the EU TPD 2014/40/EU into national law. The Federal Ministry Republic of Austria oversees and enforces these regulations.

Key Regulations

Age Restrictions and Sales

Austria prohibits the sale of vaping products to individuals under 18. Interestingly, the country does not allow cross-border sales of vape products, which impacts online shopping options for consumers.

Public Vaping

Since May 2018, Austria has banned vaping in all areas where smoking is prohibited. This includes vaping in cars when minors are present, aligning vaping restrictions with those for traditional tobacco products.

Product Notifications

Both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free vape products require notification through the EU TPD portal before entering the Austrian market. This requirement ensures that authorities can monitor the types of products available to consumers.

Health Warnings

Austria mandates specific health warnings on vape product packaging:

For nicotine-containing products: “Dieses Produkt enthält Nikotin: einen Stoff, der sehr stark abhängig macht. Es wird nicht für den Gebrauch durch Nichtraucher empfohlen.”
For nicotine-free products: “Der Gebrauch dieses Produktes kann gesundheitliche Schäden verursachen.”

These warnings aim to inform consumers about potential health risks associated with vaping.

Taxation and Registration

Currently, Austria does not impose a specific tax on e-cigarettes. However, retailers may need to register before marketing vape products, though this information requires confirmation.

Traveling with Vapes

Travelers can bring vaping equipment worth up to 430 Euros into Austria. However, vapers should exercise caution when disposing of vape products, especially when traveling to neighboring countries like Germany or Denmark, where regulations may differ.

Looking Ahead

While these regulations provide a clear framework for vaping in Austria in 2024, it’s crucial to note that vape laws can change. Vapers and businesses should stay informed about potential updates, especially when planning travel or business activities in Austria.

By understanding and adhering to these regulations, vapers can enjoy their hobby responsibly while businesses can operate within the legal framework, contributing to a safe and regulated vaping environment in Austria.

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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.