Spain has developed a comprehensive set of laws and regulations to control the use, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes and vaping related products, as vaping continues to gain popularity worldwide, including in Spain. This comprehensive guide aims to provide a clear understanding of the current vaping laws in Spain, ensuring that both travelers and residents can enjoy their vaping experience while staying compliant with local regulations.

Is Vaping Legal in Spain?

If you’re heading to Spain and planning on puffing on your e-cig, here’s what you need to know: vaping is totally legal in Spain, but there are some rules you need to follow.

The regulation of vaping products in Spain began in 2014 with the passage of Law 28/2005 on Health Measures against Smoking and the Regulation of the Sale, Supply, Consumption and Advertising of Tobacco Products. This law established age restrictions and other regulations for tobacco products, including cigarettes and other tobacco products, and extended these regulations to cover vaping products.

In 2018, Spain updated its regulations on vaping with Royal Decree 506/2018, which established specific regulations for the sale and use of vaping products. These regulations include requirements for product labeling, advertising restrictions, and safety and quality standards for vaping products.

The Tobacco Product Act 2010 is the law that governs vaping devices and liquids in Spain. While vaping is allowed, the act has some strict regulations that you need to be aware of. Basically, you can’t just vape anywhere and everywhere like a madman. You need to stick to the rules, or you might find yourself in some trouble with the law.

We must highlight that the legislation that regulates electronic cigarettes is more flexible than that of tobacco, and all of this is recorded in the BOE, the official journal of the government of Spain.

Key Vaping Regulations in Spain

As a member of the European Union, Spain adheres to the vaping regulations outlined in the Tobacco Products Directive 2016.

What is the Minimum Age to Vape in Spain?

In Spain, the minimum age to purchase vaping products is 18 years old, the same as the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products. Additionally, advertising and promotion of vaping products is heavily regulated in Spain. All advertising and promotion of vaping products must be done in compliance with the regulations set forth in Royal Decree 506/2018.

Vaping Product Standards and Labeling Requirements

To ensure the safety and quality of vaping products sold in Spain, the government has established specific standards for these products. For example, vaping liquids must be manufactured in compliance with the European Pharmacopoeia, and must be labeled with a list of ingredients, nicotine content, and any potential health risks associated with the product.

Additionally, vaping products must include warnings on their packaging and advertising materials about the health risks associated with using these products, including the potential for addiction and adverse health effects.

The legislation in question takes into consideration the vaping-friendly liquids available, which can either contain nicotine or not. It dictates that:

• Nicotine-containing eliquids must be distributed in refillable containers, with a maximum capacity of 10ml.
• The permissible amount of nicotine in these containers is limited to a maximum of 20 milligrams per milliliter.
• It is strictly prohibited for these eliquids to include additives or extra vitamins due to their harmful effects, similar to stimulants.
• Nicotine-containing containers must be completely safe and untamperable by minors.

Public Use and Indoor Vaping Regulations

In Spain, the use of vaping products is prohibited in most public places, including schools, hospitals, and public transportation. Additionally, many regions in Spain have established indoor vaping bans, prohibiting the use of vaping products in enclosed public spaces.

Where you can’t vape?

In Spain, restrictions on vaping are related to e-liquids that contain any amount of nicotine. If the electronic cigarette has nicotine in its essence, then its use is entirely prohibited in certain public and private areas. The following places have strict regulations on vaping with nicotine, and violating these regulations may result in a fine of €100 or more depending on the Autonomous Community:

• Schools / Training centresthat cater to underage students. However, vaping is allowed outdoors in college or adult education facilities, as long as they are not on the sidewalks surrounding the education area and the immediate accesses.
• Public administration offices. Vaping is prohibited in law enforcement offices.
• Public law entities. Like administrative offices, vaping is not allowed within centers dedicated to public law.
• Health centers, establishments, and services.
• Public transportation on urban and interurban routes. Smoking or vaping is completely banned within public transport to respect the freedom of other people present.
• Rail transport. The same rules apply to vaping as to smoking in buses and the subway. However, some companies allow vaping on public terraces.
• Maritime and air transport. The laws on vaping in these modes of transportation vary, so it is necessary to review the regulations stipulated by Spanish and foreign travel companies.
• Children’s playgrounds or play areas such as parks, which are exclusively for children’s entertainment. Vaping is prohibited in all communities in this type of children’s areas.

Where you can vape?

After taking into consideration the designated areas that have been strictly prohibited by the governing body, we can engage in vaping activities in other locations, regardless of whether the e-liquid contains nicotine or not. Nevertheless, some exceptions exist:

• Enclosed or private facilities are required to disclose whether or not vaping is prohibited on their premises. If there are no visible signs regarding the prohibition of vaping, then you can vape freely without anyone demanding you to discontinue your use of your vaping device.
• Recreational venues such as bars, clubs, or restaurants that offer separate areas for smokers and non-smokers will consider those who use vape devices as smokers.
• Restaurants allow vaping on their terraces, as no specific legal provisions restrict it.
• Beaches have no such restrictions on vaping.

You are now aware of the distinct places where you can vape and the places where it is not allowed, allowing you to avoid any penalties enforced by regulations due to non-compliance with the laws concerning this practice.

Vaping in Spain Airports

Vaping inside airport terminals in Spain is strictly prohibited, just as it is in most major international airports. However, certain Spanish airports offer designated smoking and vaping areas for travelers:

• Barcelona Airport has a vaping area in Terminal 1.
• Majorca Airport provides a vaping area in Terminal A.
• Fuerteventura Airport also offers a smoking/vaping zone beyond security checks.

Other major airports, such as Ibiza, Alicante, and Madrid, restrict vaping to outdoor areas before security, with no facilities available past security checkpoints.

Vaping on Spain Beaches

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce environmental pollution, Spain has begun implementing vaping bans on certain beaches. Currently, 28 beaches in the Balearic Islands and 10 beaches in Barcelona have prohibited both smoking and vaping. The fines for violating these rules can be as high as €2,000, making it crucial for vapers to check local signage before lighting up.

Can You Bring Disposable Vapes to Spain?

Yes, disposable vapes are allowed in Spain, and there are no specific regulations against their use or sale. These products can be purchased at vape shops, convenience stores, and tobacconists throughout the country. While there are no immediate plans for restrictions, it is important to keep an eye on potential future changes to vaping laws in Spain, as the government has been exploring stricter controls on the industry.

Vaping Product Standards

Spain adheres to European Union standards regarding the quality and safety of vaping products. Under Royal Decree 506/2018, manufacturers must comply with the following guidelines:

• Vaping liquids must be produced in accordance with European Pharmacopoeia standards.
• Packaging must include detailed ingredient lists, nicotine content, and warnings about health risks.
• E-liquids containing nicotine must be free of additives like vitamins or stimulants, which could pose additional health risks.

These standards ensure that consumers receive high-quality, safe products. Retailers must also ensure that all products sold are properly labeled and meet Spain’s strict safety regulations.

Penalties for Violating Vaping Laws

Spain imposes significant penalties for those who violate vaping regulations. Selling vaping products to minors can result in fines up to €300,000, and violating advertising laws can carry penalties of up to €100,000. Businesses that fail to adhere to safety or quality standards face fines as high as €1,000,000, along with potential suspension or revocation of their licenses.

Advertising and Promotion Restrictions

Under Royal Decree 506/2018, the advertising and promotion of vaping products in Spain is heavily regulated. Any promotional material must comply with strict guidelines designed to prevent young people and non-smokers from being targeted. These restrictions apply to both traditional advertising methods and online marketing.

Future of Vaping Laws in Spanish

As research into the health effects of vaping continues, there is potential for future changes to Spain’s vaping laws. The Spanish government has been considering additional restrictions, such as limiting the sale of vaping products to licensed tobacconists, which would potentially end the availability of vapes in supermarkets and convenience stores. Ongoing studies and public health concerns may also lead to stricter advertising regulations and product standards in the coming years.

Ongoing Research and Public Health Reports

In 2022, the Spanish Ministry of Health raised concerns over the safety of e-cigarettes, citing short-term studies that indicated potential risks of carcinogens in e-cigarette vapors. Although no new regulations have been implemented as a result of these reports, they underscore the government’s cautious approach toward vaping.

For industry professionals, it’s important to stay informed about any new legislation that may impact the availability and sale of vaping products in Spain.

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Conclusion

Vaping is legal in Spain, but the industry is tightly regulated to ensure consumer safety and public health. The laws governing the sale, distribution, and use of vaping products are in line with broader European Union regulations and include strict guidelines on nicotine content, packaging, and public use. With the ongoing scrutiny of vaping products by the Spanish Ministry of Health, industry professionals must remain vigilant in adhering to current laws while preparing for potential changes in the future.

By understanding these regulations, businesses and consumers alike can ensure compliance and contribute to the responsible growth of the vaping industry in Spain.

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