Spain’s PSOE files motion to curb vaping and nicotine pouches, restricting sales channels and banning online sales

Key Takeaways

• PSOE filed a PNL in Spain’s Congress targeting vapes and nicotine pouches
• Proposal would restrict sales to authorised channels and ban online and non-specialist retail sales
• ESTUDES 2025 cited: nearly 50% of 14–18-year-old students have tried e-cigarettes
• Measures include stronger inspections, effective age verification, fiscal traceability and health compliance
• Calls for coordination among Health, Finance, Consumer Affairs and Ecological Transition
• Environmental measures include producer-funded waste collection and a “one-for-one” return model
• Sanctions proposed for underage sales, tax evasion and waste-management breaches; recycling programme expansion to be assessed

2Firsts, March 3, 2026

According to Europa Press, Spain’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has registered a non-legislative motion (PNL) in Congress aimed at curbing the use of vapes and nicotine pouches by restricting sales to authorised channels and banning sales online and in non-specialist shops.

The proposal says the current lack of control in the marketing of these products facilitates tax evasion and non-compliance with existing health and environmental regulations. It cites the ESTUDES 2025 survey, stating that nearly 50% of students aged 14 to 18 have used e-cigarettes at least once — the highest figure recorded to date. It also notes that many devices contain lithium batteries and other polluting materials and are discarded outside authorised disposal systems, referencing Law 7/2022 and Royal Decree 110/2015.

The PSOE proposal calls for stronger inspection and oversight, including effective age verification, fiscal traceability and compliance with health obligations. It also urges stronger inter-ministerial coordination among Health, Finance, Consumer Affairs and Ecological Transition to align public health, taxation and sustainability policies.

On environmental compliance, the motion calls for manufacturers, importers and distributors to finance waste collection and implement a “one-for-one” take-back model. It also proposes sanctions for breaches involving sales to minors, tax evasion or waste management. Finally, it suggests assessing the expansion of collection and recycling programmes, citing the Catalan tobacconists’ federation’s vape recycling plan and the Catalan Waste Agency’s initiatives.

Image Source: Europa Press