Romania Implements Comprehensive Ban on Smoking in Schools, Including E-Cigarettes

According to EVZ, Romania has completely banned smoking in schools. Students will no longer be able to smoke or use e-cigarettes on school grounds. This new law was implemented after the ban on selling e-cigarettes or similar devices to those under 18. Students who violate these regulations will face severe penalties.

A new law requires that students in Romania are not allowed to bring tobacco or e-cigarette products (with or without nicotine) into schools. According to this new law, which completely bans smoking in schools, the education department will have to establish penalties to be applied when students do not comply with the new regulations.

The law (Legea 64/2024) came into effect on March 31, 2024, amending and supplementing some regulations regarding tobacco products. The new regulations first prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, and the law also stipulates a smoking ban in schools.

All schools in Romania have now banned smoking, regardless of whether students are using tobacco products or various types of e-cigarettes. According to Law 64/2024:

The complete ban on students from all educational institutions smoking and using all types of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, e-cigarettee-liquid, e-cigarette devices, non-combustible alternative tobacco products, nicotine oral pouches, and non-combustible alternative tobacco products.

In the initial stages, the bill stipulated that each educational institution should develop measures for students who do not comply with the regulations. However, when the bill reached the Congress decision room and the House of Representatives, it required the Department of Education to implement a set of regulations and punishment systems.

Students who engage in the illegal sale, possession, and use of all types of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, e-cigarette liquid, and e-cigarette devices within the school premises will be subject to relevant sanctions under the new regulations. On the other hand, the management of educational institutions will be responsible for incorporating these provisions into the organization's internal regulations. These regulations will include serious disciplinary actions for those who violate the no smoking policy. Additionally, the school will display signs indicating the prohibition.