Dutch E-cigarette Consumers Stock Up on Flavored Products

According to a report by the Dutch newspaper, the Chairman of the Dutch e-cigarette industry association Esigbond, Emil 't Hart, has stated that individuals who use e-cigarettes are engaging in bulk purchases of flavored e-cigarettes in order to prepare for the flavor ban that will come into effect on January 1, 2024. He has observed that certain flavored products have already sold out in stores.

Tehart said, "You will see consumers stockpiling as much as possible in specialty stores. Especially those 'true smokers' who have already switched from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes, they are hoarding in large quantities."

According to him, nearly 250,000 people usually purchase flavored e-cigarettes and e-liquids through tobacco shops or e-cigarette stores. Tehart believes that almost all of these individuals will store extra products.

Starting from January 1, 2024, sellers of e-cigarettes will no longer be allowed to sell flavored e-cigarettes or e-liquids, such as peach, mango, or mint. Only products with flavors like tobacco will be permitted for sale. The government's decision to ban flavored tobacco is aimed at preventing young people from purchasing fruit-flavored e-cigarettes before transitioning to regular cigarettes.

Hart believes that this measure could have unintended consequences. Individuals who have switched from regular tobacco to e-cigarettes may be tempted to return to traditional tobacco. He also predicts that the ban on flavored tobacco will not have an impact on young people.

"Young people claim they are not concerned. They typically purchase disposable tobacco online from China," stated Tahaat.

Tehart reported that elderly e-cigarette users have been seen preparing for the ban in France and Spain by purchasing from foreign online stores, or by crossing the borders to Belgium and Germany.

In April 2022, Esigbond filed a lawsuit against the Dutch government regarding a taste ban. The trade association is against such a prohibition. It is anticipated that this substantial legal case will reach a resolution in the summer of the following year, according to Techart.

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in the Netherlands also agrees that e-cigarettes are detrimental to health.