Latvia Approves Amendments to Tobacco and Vaping Laws

Mar.27.2023
Latvia Approves Amendments to Tobacco and Vaping Laws
Latvian parliament supports revised law on e-cigarettes, including restrictions on flavored products and raising age limit to 20.

According to Latvian television station on March 23, the Latvian parliament supported amendments to a bill in its second reading. The amendments include:


Experts suggest not implementing a full ban on e-cigarettes; instead, prohibiting the sale of flavored e-cigarette products and other nicotine-based products. Additionally, banning the sale of e-cigarette products and other nicotine-based products that have candy, snack, or toy-like packaging. The legal age to purchase nicotine-based products will be raised from 18 to 20. Smoking will also be prohibited in casinos. According to reports, the amended proposal received support from 79 members of Congress, while 6 opposed it.


In order for the proposed changes to take effect, the legal amendments must still be approved in the third and final reading in parliament.


It is reported that Latvia is one of the countries in Europe with the highest number of smokers, with over a third of its adult population smoking.


Reference(s):


Conceptually supports the purchase of tobacco products and e-cigarettes from the age of 20.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Product|PMI Expands High-Strength Nicotine Pouch Portfolio With Zyn 16.5mg
Product|PMI Expands High-Strength Nicotine Pouch Portfolio With Zyn 16.5mg
According to Better Retailing, Philip Morris International (PMI) has launched Zyn Menthol Ice 16.5mg in the UK, marking the highest-strength nicotine pouch in the Zyn range to date. The eucalyptus- and menthol-flavored product is now available through PMI Open and will begin rolling out to wholesale channels from the end of May.
PMI
May.28
China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Patent Discloses Nicotine Tooth Patch for Fixed Oral Delivery
China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Patent Discloses Nicotine Tooth Patch for Fixed Oral Delivery
According to Chinese patent records, a “nicotine tooth patch” application filed by China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Corporation (CTHB) and Hubei Xinye Tobacco Sheet Development Co., Ltd. was published on May 19, 2026. The filing proposes a nicotine gel patch that adheres to the tooth surface, especially the lingual side, to reduce displacement, foreign-body sensation, and accidental swallowing risks associated with existing oral nicotine products.
Jun.10
Canada Recalls Siberia and ZYN Nicotine Pouches Over Unauthorized Sales
Canada Recalls Siberia and ZYN Nicotine Pouches Over Unauthorized Sales
Health Canada has issued a nationwide recall for nicotine pouch products sold under the Siberia and ZYN brands, citing a lack of market authorization. All affected lots are subject to the recall.
Jun.15
WHO’s First Global Report on Nicotine Pouches: Harm Reduction Questions Remain Amid Global Regulatory Warning
WHO’s First Global Report on Nicotine Pouches: Harm Reduction Questions Remain Amid Global Regulatory Warning
Ahead of World No Tobacco Day 2026, WHO released its first global report on nicotine pouches, warning that rapid market growth, youth-oriented marketing and weak regulation are converging. 2Firsts views the report as an important warning, but not a complete risk assessment, with harm-reduction questions still unresolved.
Special Report
May.17
From myblu to Zone: Imperial Brands Refocuses NGP Strategy in HY26
From myblu to Zone: Imperial Brands Refocuses NGP Strategy in HY26
mperial Brands’ HY26 results point to a more selective NGP transition. The company is using cash flow from traditional tobacco to fund targeted investments in modern oral nicotine, heated tobacco and reusable vaping systems. Its decision to exit the legacy myblu vaping business in the U.S., while expanding Zone nicotine pouches. In Europe, Imperial’s NGP growth is being driven by a multi-category portfolio including blu, Pulze and Zone/Skruf.
Special Report
May.12
Bloomberg: Zyn’s Dry-Mouth Problem Threatens Its Hold on Nicotine Pouch Market
Bloomberg: Zyn’s Dry-Mouth Problem Threatens Its Hold on Nicotine Pouch Market
According to Bloomberg, Philip Morris International’s Zyn is facing growing competition in the U.S. nicotine pouch market as consumers shift toward moister alternatives such as British American Tobacco’s Velo Plus.
BATPMI
May.22