Illegal E-cigarette Sales in Germany: Growing Concern

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Aug.08.2024
Illegal E-cigarette Sales in Germany: Growing Concern
A recent study by the German e-cigarette industry association revealed that 75% of vape shops sell illegal products.

According to a report from Tagesschau on August 7th, a survey by the German e-cigarette industry association (VdeH) found that approximately 75% of vape shops are selling illegal e-cigarettes. The percentage is lower for night markets and convenience stores, but still reaches 20%.


According to reports, the association has taken legal action multiple times against actions that violate current laws. Relevant departments and organizations have also been notified of these issues multiple times, but so far the situation has not fundamentally improved.


Oliver Pohland, General Manager of VdeH, expressed that the association's members strongly oppose the illegal trading of products and the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. He criticized the lack of strong enforcement by the relevant law enforcement agencies, which has led to the flourishing of the illegal market.


Illegal e-cigarettes often contain excessive nicotine and overfilled e-liquid. Many consumers are unaware of this, and these products are primarily targeted at youth. Oliver Polander noted:


The law itself leads to teenagers engaging in smoking behavior. Due to weak regulation and low fines, the illegal market is rampant.


Since April 2016, German law has prohibited the sale of e-cigarettes and electronic hookahs to minors, as well as the use of these products by individuals under 18, regardless of whether they contain nicotine. However, the latest 2023 National Center for Health Education (BZgA) drug affinity study shows that disposable e-cigarettes are particularly popular among teenagers.


According to the study, 6.7% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 are currently using disposable e-cigarettes, and 17% of teenagers have tried this product.


Stephanie Eckhardt of the National Health Education Center pointed out that


Disposable e-cigarettes are the most commonly tried nicotine product among teenagers. These electronic products are specifically targeted at teenagers, with low prices and sweet flavors that mask the harmful effects of the product, making them a focal point of educational efforts.


Although traditional e-cigarette advertisements have been restricted by law, e-cigarette advertisements are everywhere, especially online through bloggers, music videos, movies, and TV dramas. Stephanie Eckhardt stated that


The consumption of nicotine on social media has been shown to have a negative impact on the development of teenagers, particularly by not mentioning the risks and negative consequences of consumption, and instead focusing on the positive aspects of it.


German drug policy commissioner Burkhard Blienert is calling for a complete ban on disposable e-cigarettes, stating that these products are highly addictive and extremely harmful to the environment, and can easily lead young people into long-term nicotine dependence.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Austria to Ban Flavors in Heated Tobacco Products; E-Cigarettes Unaffected for Now
Austria to Ban Flavors in Heated Tobacco Products; E-Cigarettes Unaffected for Now
Austria’s National Council has approved new rules banning flavors in heated tobacco products and tightening warning label requirements as part of an EU directive. The measures will take full effect by May 31, 2026. While e-cigarettes remain unaffected, some parties are calling to extend the ban to playground smoking and disposable vapes.
Jul.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
KT&G Subsidiary Faces Facility Investment Dilemma as Capacity Expansion Outpaces Weak Order Demand
KT&G Subsidiary Faces Facility Investment Dilemma as Capacity Expansion Outpaces Weak Order Demand
KT&G subsidiary Taeya Industry booked heavy impairment losses after overinvesting in capacity based on inaccurate demand forecasts. Although KT&G aims to offset the damage through global value-chain expansion, Taeya’s financial health remains severely strained, and the company is now devising new export programs to utilize its idle facilities.
Jul.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Japan to Launch Limited Edition glo HYPER pro HANABI EDITION
BAT Japan to Launch Limited Edition glo HYPER pro HANABI EDITION
BAT Japan to launch limited edition glo HYPER pro HANABI EDITION on July 25, celebrating "Live Life in Color" event.
Jul.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UNODC Report: Etomidate-Laced E-Cigarettes Spreading Across Southeast Asia, Targeting Teens
UNODC Report: Etomidate-Laced E-Cigarettes Spreading Across Southeast Asia, Targeting Teens
A 19-year-old Singaporean became withdrawn and self-harmed after becoming addicted to etomidate-laced Kpods vapes. Cases rose from 10 in 2024 to 28 in H1 2025. The UNODC says Kpods are spreading across Southeast Asia via social media, targeting teens.
Jul.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Officials Meet WHO Chief to Discuss E-Cigarette Risks and Control Measures
Thai Officials Meet WHO Chief to Discuss E-Cigarette Risks and Control Measures
Thai officials met the WHO chief to discuss youth vaping risks. The WHO warned of flavored products targeting teens, while Thailand pledged stricter controls and school awareness campaigns.
Jul.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Holds First Global NGP Compliance Certification Training (U.S. Edition), Building the World’s First Professional NGP Compliance Talent Program
2Firsts Holds First Global NGP Compliance Certification Training (U.S. Edition), Building the World’s First Professional NGP Compliance Talent Program
2Firsts held its first Global NGP Compliance Certification Training in Shenzhen, building international compliance talent and strengthening the industry’s global ecosystem.
Jul.14