Lithuanian Parliament Passes Amendment to Increase Fines for Illegal Vape Sales

Nov.15.2024

Lithuanian parliament passes tobacco control law amendment, increasing fines for companies selling tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

The Lithuanian Parliament has passed an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, which will increase penalties for companies selling tobacco products, including vapes, according to a report from Kurier Wilenski on November 14.

The chairman of the Health Committee, Antanas Matulas, along with members of Parliament, suggested significantly raising fines for illegal vape sales. However, several lawmakers pointed out that minors cannot legally purchase vapes, and thus, the sale of vapes should be subject to the same penalties as traditional tobacco products.

The parliamentary vote resulted in 74 votes in favor of treating the sale of tobacco products to minors with equal penalties, but the proposal for higher fines specifically targeting vapes was not passed. Sellers will now face fines ranging from €4,000 to €6,000 (up from the current maximum of €3,000), with repeat offenders facing fines between €6,000 and €10,000. Additionally, retail licenses will be permanently revoked. Companies that violate regulations on vape ingredients, quality, and labeling will face fines between €1,500 and €3,000, with repeat offenders facing penalties ranging from €4,000 to €8,000.

Member of Parliament Ieva Kačinskaitė-Urbonienė emphasized that to strengthen these measures, additional financial support for police and intelligence agencies would be necessary.

During the pandemic, young people found it easier to buy tobacco products due to the use of masks, which made age verification more difficult. However, now that ID checks are stricter, purchasing these products has become almost impossible without valid identification.

To circumvent this, many young people pay adult friends an extra €2 per pack to buy tobacco products for them. Vapes, on the other hand, are more frequently obtained through illegal online channels.

References:

[1] Większe kary grzywny za sprzedaż wyrobów tytoniowych nieletnim –...

Also Read:

[1] Lithuania to Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes Starting November 2024

[2] Lithuanian Parliament Passes Amendment on E-Cigarette Sales and Regulations

[3] Lithuania Government Rejects Proposed Amendments to E-cigarette Sales

[4] Ban on Flavored Heated Tobacco Products Takes Effect in Lithuania

[5] Lithuanian Parliament Proposes Ban on Flavored E-cigarette Products

#Europe #Legislation #E-cigarettes #Lithuania

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

Saratov Governor Supports Russian Nationwide Ban on E-Cigarette Sales

Governor of Saratov Oblast, announced on his official Telegram channel that he fully supports a nationwide ban on the sale of e-cigarettes. Busargin noted that while restrictions on such products have long been in place, enforcement remains weak and health experts continue to warn of the risks posed to children. He stressed that economic interests must not outweigh public health and said Saratov is ready to enforce a ban once regional powers are granted.

Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai

British American Tobacco’s Irish unit says VELO pouch sales hit 29m, net revenue climbs to €33.75m

British American Tobacco’s Irish subsidiary PJ Carroll & Co Ltd reported that sales of its Velo nicotine pouches nearly quintupled in 2024 to 29 million units, driving an 11% year-on-year increase in net revenue to €33.75 million. However, amid a heavy tax burden and declining traditional cigarette volumes, the company’s pre-tax profit fell 8% to €5.69 million.

Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Canadian Media Investigation: BAT’s Nicotine Pouch ZONNIC Sparks Ongoing Controversy as Regulatory Gaps in Canada Come Under Scrutiny

Canadian outlet Rebel News released a long-form video report examining Canada’s regulatory framework for nicotine pouches, market dynamics, and the approval process of ZONNIC, a product of BAT subsidiary Imperial Tobacco Canada. The report highlights issues involving youth access, regulatory gaps, black-market activity, retailer feedback, and company responses. This article summarizes key points based on the video.

Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai

AG Miyares Argues Vape Ban Consistent with Federal Law, Seeks Dismissal

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Tax Commissioner James J. Alex have asked a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on flavored e-cigarettes. They argue plaintiffs lack standing because the products are already illegal under federal law. The state denies claims of federal preemption and asserts sovereign immunity, maintaining that its ban aligns with its authority to protect public health.