Author: moonswamp

As of June 20, 2024, Kazakhstan has officially bid farewell to the sale of non-smoking tobacco products and vapes. The legislation, titled "On amendments and additions to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on healthcare issues," signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev back in April, has now come into full force. According to a Kazinform News Agency correspondent, the law establishes a comprehensive ban on the sale, distribution, and advertising of non-smoking tobacco products, vapes, flavorings, and liquids used in these devices. The government's decision to implement this sweeping prohibition was initially reported in late July 2023. Steep Fines…

Poland's Ministry of Health has announced that the much-anticipated ban on the sale of e-cigarettes will not come into effect until 2025, despite previous assurances of an earlier implementation. Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna revealed during a Monday press conference that ongoing work on the necessary legislation and the need for extensive consultations have prolonged the process. EU Directive Complicates Legislative Process Minister Leszczyna had initially aimed to have the ban in place before the summer holidays. However, the need to implement an EU directive has extended the timeline. The directive introduces a definition for heated tobacco products and prohibits the…

If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, you might want to think twice about packing your trusty vape pen. Agenzia Nova reports that foreign tourists who bring e-cigarettes into the country now face some pretty hefty fines, thanks to new regulations that went into effect earlier this year. The rules, which ban the possession, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and their liquids, are no joke. Get caught using an e-cigarette in Vietnam, and you could be slapped with a fine of up to 2 million dong (roughly $78.50). But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Those who are caught…

Poland faces a growing public health crisis as it ranks highest in the world for the percentage of minors who have used electronic cigarettes. Despite possessing startling data since at least February 2024, the Ministry of Health has yet to finalize draft legislation aimed at banning the sale of single-use e-cigarettes, leaving the nation's youth vulnerable to the detrimental effects of these products. Skyrocketing Popularity Among Adolescents Single-use e-cigarettes have surged in popularity, particularly among adolescents. Media outlets have persistently sounded the alarm, while government officials assure the public that they recognize the risks and intend to implement a complete…

The Polish Ministry of Health has published a draft amendment to the Act on Health Protection against the Consequences of Using Tobacco and Tobacco Products, which includes a new provision banning the sale of flavored heated tobacco products. The document, prepared by the health ministry, has been submitted for a 30-day public consultation period. Comprehensive Definition and Restrictions on Heated Tobacco Products The draft, published on the Government Legislation Center website, proposes an additional point to the Act, which defines a "heated tobacco product" as an innovative tobacco product that, when heated, emits nicotine and other chemical substances that are…

Belgium's Minister of Public Health, Frank Vandenbroucke, announced on Saturday that the country will ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarette vapes from January 1, 2025. This decision aligns with the minister's goal of achieving a "tobacco-free generation" in Belgium. The European Commission has approved Belgium's request to implement this ban, making the country the first in Europe to take such a decisive step against disposable e-cigarettes. The United Kingdom, which is no longer part of the European Union, has already implemented a similar ban. Disposable E-Cigarettes Targeted as Harmful and Attractive to Youth Minister Vandenbroucke emphasized the negative impact…

The French Parliament has reached an agreement on Thursday to ban "puffs," the single-use electronic cigarettes popular among young people, which should lead to an effective ban by "the end of September," according to Green Party deputy Francesca Pasquini. Pasquini's cross-party bill, unanimously adopted by the Senate in early February after passing the National Assembly in December, easily achieved a joint text in a joint committee (CMP) of parliamentarians from both chambers on Thursday. Following the agreement, the government immediately notified the European Commission, which has six months to validate the legislation. Health Minister Vows to Continue Fight Against Smoking…

Poland's Minister of Health, Izabela Leszczyna, announced during a press conference on Thursday that her ministry is working on legislation to ban single-use e-cigarettes. She stated that a realistic deadline for completing this work is April, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Single-Use E-Cigarettes Pose Significant Health and Environmental Risks Minister Leszczyna stressed that single-use e-cigarettes currently pose the greatest threat, particularly to young people who, according to the law, should not be able to purchase them at all. "Unfortunately, we know that reality is different," she acknowledged. The minister explained that the product constitutes a health hazard because "we…

The Polish Ministry of Health has announced its determination to introduce a ban on the use of single-use e-cigarettes, citing the need for comprehensive measures to effectively address the issue. During a joint meeting of the Senate Committees on Health and Climate and Environment on March 19, Deputy Health Minister Wojciech Konieczny revealed that the ministry is already preparing draft legislation to prohibit the use of such products. Draft Legislation in the Works, Potential Expansion of Ban Konieczny stated that the draft legislation could be submitted for public consultation in the coming weeks. He acknowledged that the implementation of the…

Belgium has introduced stricter smoking regulations as part of Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke's plan to raise a "smoke-free generation" by 2028. The country's parliament recently passed the next step in the anti-smoking campaign, following a significant price increase for tobacco products. Starting April 1, Belgium will prohibit the sale of tobacco products at market stalls and music festivals. More notably, most supermarkets will also remove tobacco products from their shelves. Food stores with an area of more than 400 square meters must remove cigarettes, rolling papers, filters, and tobacco from their assortment. Retailers Required to Check ID for Customers Under…