Key points
- Poland’s Cabinet is set to discuss a new bill restricting nicotine product sales.
- The proposal bans flavoured nicotine pouches and disposable e-cigarettes to protect youth.
- The Health Ministry cites WHO data showing increased e-cigarette use among minors.
- Business groups warn of policy instability and potential black-market expansion.
- Legal experts urge education and enforcement rather than new prohibitions.
2Firsts, December 5, 2025 – According to Rzeczpospolita, the Polish government is preparing to amend the Act on Protection of Health from the Consequences of Tobacco Use to prohibit the sale of flavoured nicotine pouches and disposable e-cigarettes. The draft will be debated at Thursday’s Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers meeting.
The Health Ministry, which authored the bill, argues the changes aim to protect young people from nicotine addiction. The ministry cites World Health Organization (WHO) reports highlighting the health risks of nicotine pouches and the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes among adolescents. Data from the 2022 Global Youth Tobacco Survey show that 22.3% of Polish children aged 12–15 use e-cigarettes (21.2% of boys and 23.4% of girls).
However, the proposal sparked backlash during public consultations. Numerous organizations—including medical associations—said the plan misrepresents concern for public health and could surprise the tobacco sector. Many warned of a black-market surge, typical of overly restrictive policies.
Jakub Bińkowski, board member of the Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP), said:
“Every business expects stability and predictability from the state. Unfortunately, the tobacco sector has not enjoyed that in recent years, with unexpected tax hikes and sudden bans. A ban will likely expand the shadow market, introducing products of unknown origin and potentially higher toxicity.”
Legal expert Dr. Anna Partyka-Opiela of the Rymarz Zdort Maruta law firm added that the ban may not meet constitutional standards of usefulness, necessity, and proportionality, and might fail to achieve its intended health goals.
Experts further note that nicotine pouches are primarily used by former smokers trying to quit. They argue that better enforcement of existing age-restriction laws and education campaigns would yield healthier outcomes.
Critics also pointed out that Poland has already imposed an excise tax on nicotine pouches since July 1, 2025, and the May 2025 amendment to the anti-tobacco law set strict limits: a ban on sales to minors, a ban on online sales, and a nicotine cap of 20 mg/g.
Image source: Rzeczpospolita
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