Poland Passes Law Banning Sale of E-Cigarettes to Minors

According to Zachod's report on January 21st, the Polish government has approved amendments to the "Health Protection Act regarding the consequences of using tobacco and tobacco products," which prohibits the sale of all e-cigarette products (including disposable, reusable, nicotine-containing, and nicotine-free products) and nicotine pouches to minors.

Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna pointed out that the proposal passed by the government will ban the use of nicotine-free e-cigarettes, aligning their regulations with those of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. The new regulations include prohibiting the sale of nicotine-free e-cigarettes in vending machines and online, as well as banning their advertising. These rules also apply to nicotine pouches.

The Minister of Health has stated that e-liquids without nicotine do not need to be reported to the Chemicals Office. According to the new changes, the ingredients in these e-liquids must comply with current regulations, specifically not containing any substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or affect reproductive function. These measures require notification to the European Commission, a process that takes three months, and she hopes that the House of Commons will pass the legislation. The provision prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes to minors will come into effect 14 days after the publication of this law.

Once the law takes effect, e-cigarettes and refill containers that do not meet the new requirements will have a six-month transition period before they can no longer be sold on the market.

The second amendment of the Health Protection Law on the Consequences of Using Tobacco and Tobacco Products passed by the government prohibits the marketing of heated tobacco products with distinct aromatic characteristics. After the new regulation takes effect, producers and sellers will have nine months to comply with the new rules.