The Dutch Ministry of Health is taking a significant step towards creating a smoke-free future by proposing to raise the legal age for buying cigarettes and vapes from 18 to 21. This move comes as a response to the alarming statistic that nearly a quarter of Dutch children aged 12 to 16 have already experimented with vaping.
The proposed changes go beyond simply increasing the legal purchasing age. The government also plans to impose stricter regulations on the online sale of vapes and e-cigarettes, as well as prohibit the sale of accessories and packaging that make these products more appealing to young people. The goal is to make smoking less accessible and less attractive to the youth, thereby preventing the formation of addictive habits that can be difficult to break.
The increased age limit is part of a broader plan to make the Netherlands smoke-free by 2040. Health experts are particularly concerned about the use of tobacco in the country, as nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known, surpassed only by crack and heroin. Studies have shown that most vapers also end up smoking traditional cigarettes, further compounding the health risks associated with nicotine addiction.
The proposal is currently under debate in the Dutch Parliament, with public and industry feedback being considered before a final decision is made. If passed, the new regulations could mark a significant milestone in the fight against youth smoking and vaping in the Netherlands, potentially setting an example for other countries to follow.
