Poland is taking a bold step towards protecting its youth and environment from the harmful effects of disposable electronic cigarettes. The Polish Ministry of Health has introduced bill UD213, which calls for a complete ban on the sale of these devices. The bill is expected to be adopted in the third quarter of 2025.
The move comes in response to the alarming 400% increase in registered e-cigarettes from 2018 to 2023, as reported by the Bureau for Chemical Substances. Disposable vapes have become particularly popular among young people due to their ease of use, discreet nature, and appealing flavors. However, authorities are concerned about the addictive properties of nicotine and the potential toxic effects of e-liquids on the lungs.
In addition to health concerns, the bill also addresses environmental risks associated with disposable vapes, which contain plastic and lithium-ion batteries that complicate waste recycling. The document further proposes a ban on the sale of nicotine chewing gums, sprays, and beverages outside of pharmacies.
If the law is passed, Poland will become one of the first EU countries to implement a complete ban on disposable e-cigarettes, setting a precedent for other nations to follow.