Tag Archive for: Lithuania

Lithuania Rejects to Raise Tobacco and Vape Purchase Age to 21

,

The Lithuanian Seimas (parliament) has rejected a legislative proposal aimed at raising the minimum age for possessing, using, and selling tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and their refills from 18 to 21 years. The amendments to the Law on Control of Tobacco, Tobacco Products and Related Products were introduced by Jurgita Sejonienė, a member of the Seimas Health Affairs Committee.

The proposal, which would have taken effect from early 2029, sought to align Lithuania with a growing number of countries adopting a “Tobacco 21” policy. Proponents argued it would positively impact public health by reducing smoking-related diseases and deaths, including lung cancer. However, the bill failed to pass, with 26 deputies voting in favor, 30 against, and 30 abstaining. The Seimas also did not agree to further refine the initiative.

Critics like Liberal MP Andrius Bagdonas questioned the move, stating it was an attempt to “discriminate against young people” by implying they cannot make rational decisions. Conversely, former Seimas speaker Viktoras Pranckietis supported the bill, noting, “This law would have allowed [young people] not to start smoking until the age of 21.” Currently, the legal age for purchasing and consuming tobacco and e-cigarettes in Lithuania remains 18.

Lithuania Implements New Tobacco and Related Product Sales Regulations Starting January 1, 2025

Effective January 1, 2025, amendments to the Law on Tobacco, Tobacco Products, and Related Products Control (hereafter referred to as the Law) will introduce significant changes to the retail sale of tobacco, tobacco products, and related products in Lithuania. The key changes are as follows:

Read more

Lithuania Increases Fines for Selling Tobacco Products to Minors

The Lithuanian Seimas has passed amendments to the Tobacco Control Law, increasing fines for companies selling tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to minors or individuals prohibited from purchasing them. The law proportionally raises penalties for all offenders, with fines ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 euros for initial violations and 6,000 to 10,000 euros for repeated offenses. Additionally, retail licenses will be permanently revoked for repeat offenders.

Read more

Lithuania Bans Sale of Flavored Vapes Starting November

Starting November, Lithuania will prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes and refills containing liquid with sugar and sweeteners. This move aims to further tighten the availability of flavored tobacco products in the market.

Read more

Lithuania To Ban Import of Sweetened Vape by 2024

Concerned over growing youth addiction, Lithuania recently passed legislation prohibiting the import of vape liquids containing added sweeteners or sugar starting November 2024.

On December 15th, 2023, the Lithuanian parliament (Seimas) overwhelmingly voted to amend existing tobacco control laws, banning future imports of sweetened nicotine e-liquids for electronic cigarettes.

Read more

Lithuanian Support Flavor Ban on E-cigarettes, Set to Take Effect in May Next Year

In a significant move, the Lithuanian government has gained the support of 63 members of parliament, with only 2 opposing and 5 abstaining, for the proposed amendment to the “Tobacco, Tobacco Products, and Related Products Control Law.” The amendment aims to prohibit flavored electronic cigarette products and is planned to be enforced from May 1st next year. This article will delve into the details of the amendment, the perspectives of the involved parliament members, and the potential impact of the flavor ban.

Read more