Lithuania to Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes Starting November 2024

According to a report from Lrt on October 3rd, starting in November 2024, Lithuania will no longer allow e-cigarettes that contain added or natural sweeteners and liquid sugars.

Rytis Jokubauskas, Vice President of the Consumer Alliance, pointed out that banning flavored e-cigarettes, related e-liquids, and supplements is an important measure to protect public health, especially the young population that needs protection. The marketing of e-cigarettes often targets young people, and consumers often lack comprehensive and objective information about the consequences of using e-cigarettes. The ban helps to create a safer environment and reduce the occurrence of public health problems.

In Lithuania's official government-run e-cigarette stores, despite the ban on flavored tobacco, only the names have been removed from product packaging. Consumers can still obtain detailed information about e-cigarette flavors when they inquire. According to the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority (VVTAT), this dishonest practice makes regulatory work more difficult, as samples need to be sent to laboratories for testing. However, the majority of test results have shown that the samples contain prohibited substances.

Since the ban on selling e-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquids with flavors and scents (excluding tobacco flavor) went into effect on July 1, 2022, VVTAT has reviewed 23 cases and decided to impose fines ranging from €750 to €2000 on violators. Most of the decisions have been appealed to the courts, but some companies have already paid the fines. Currently, only a few first-instance courts have ruled that VVTAT's decisions are reasonable, and these rulings are still being appealed to higher courts. A representative of VVTAT stated that this information has been transmitted to the National Drug, Tobacco, and Alcohol Control Department (NTAKD), which has the authority to suspend or revoke sales licenses for tobacco products.

The VVTAT revealed that regulating laws require a significant amount of manpower and financial resources, including inspections, sample collection and testing at physical stores, and legal procedures. These costs are covered by the state budget, which is funded by the contributions of every Lithuanian citizen. The leaders of the National Tobacco Manufacturers Association (NTGA) and the Innovation Tobacco Products Association have noticed a lack of market supervision and are calling for the promotion of trust among sellers.

According to VVTAT, with the amendments to the Tobacco, Tobacco Products and Related Products Management Act taking effect on November 1, 2023, it is expected that regulations will become clearer and simpler, thus improving the implementation of legal oversight.