Tag Archive for: Latvia

Latvia Survey: 31% Use Nicotine as Bans Drive Illicit Trade

A survey conducted by the SKDS research center and released by the Smokeless Industry Association shows that 31% of Latvian residents aged 20 to 75 consume tobacco or nicotine products. Traditional combustible cigarettes remain the primary choice, used by 20% of the total population—representing 64.5% of all active nicotine consumers.

Alternative nicotine products account for a smaller share of the market:

  • E-cigarettes: 9% of respondents
  • Heated tobacco: 4% of respondents
  • Nicotine pouches: 2% of respondents
  • Other nicotine products: 2% of respondents

Public opinion leans heavily toward harm reduction rather than outright prohibition. The survey found that 69% of Latvians consider public education more effective than bans. Furthermore, 48% believe the state should actively support harm reduction by giving adult smokers who cannot quit the option to switch to smoke-free alternatives, compared to 29% who oppose this view.

The data highlights unintended consequences following last year’s restrictions on smoke-free products. Among acquaintances of respondents, 23% now purchase alternatives through illegal channels, 20% travel abroad to buy them, and 9% returned to smoking conventional cigarettes. Only 3% quit nicotine altogether.

Latvia Proposes E-Cigarette Deposit System for Recycling

In a bid to combat growing environmental and fire hazards, the Latvian parliament has conceptually approved a nationwide deposit system to ensure the safe collection and recycling of electronic smoking devices.

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Latvia to Raise Vape/Tobacco Age to 20, Ban Flavors

Starting in 2025, Latvia will prohibit the sale of tobacco products and their substitutes, including vapes, to anyone under the age of 20. This new law raises the current minimum purchase age from 18. Young people under 20 caught smoking, purchasing, or possessing these products will face a fine of up to €15.

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Latvia’s Top Court Upholds Flavor Ban for E-Cigarettes

The Constitutional Court of Latvia has ruled that new legislative amendments restricting the use of flavorings in electronic smoking devices and their liquids are constitutional, dismissing a legal challenge brought by two vape companies. This decision upholds the government’s right to implement stricter regulations on vaping products to protect public health, particularly that of children and adolescents, and paves the way for a ban on flavored e-cigarettes to take effect in 2025.

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Report: Flavored Vape Ban in Latvia Fuels Black Market

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A ban on flavored e-cigarettes and vape liquids, which took effect on January 1, 2025 in Latvia, has reportedly led to unintended negative consequences, including a surge in the illicit market and a significant state budget deficit. The law, which prohibited all vape flavors except tobacco, was intended to protect public health and limit youth access to these products.

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Latvia Bans Flavored Tobacco Products and Introduces Stricter Regulations

Latvia has implemented a comprehensive ban on the sale of flavored e-liquids for electronic smoking devices and tobacco substitutes, as part of a broader effort to curb youth access to tobacco products and promote public health. The new regulations also raise the legal age for purchasing all types of tobacco products to 20 years old.

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Latvian Tobacco Sellers Seek Loopholes to Circumvent New Ban on Products and Vapes

Companies Scramble to Find Alternatives as Tighter Restrictions Take Effect in January 2025

Tobacco sellers in Latvia are scrambling to find loopholes to circumvent the country’s new law that tightens rules on selling tobacco products and substitutes. The Baltic nation’s move to restrict the sale of these products has prompted businesses to seek alternative ways to offer their products to consumers.

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Latvia Considers Stricter Vaping Regulations in Public Spaces

Ministry of Health Plans to Propose Ban on E-Cigarette Use from Residential Building Windows and Other Public Areas

Latvia may introduce more stringent rules on the use of electronic smoking devices in public places, following new recommendations adopted by the European Union (EU). The Ministry of Health plans to propose further restrictions, including a ban on using e-cigarettes from the windows of residential buildings, according to a report by Latvian Radio on December 10.

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Latvia Plans Tax Increase on Electronic Cigarettes, Beginning in 2027

On September 19th, the Latvian government approved significant tax reforms that will raise excise duties on electronic cigarettes and related products starting from 2027. This move aims to harmonize Latvia’s tax rates with neighboring Baltic states and contribute to the European Union’s climate neutrality goals.

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