Legislation Bans Sales to Minors, Restricts Advertising, and Mandates Warnings
Poland has taken a significant step in public health policy by adopting new legislation to regulate nicotine products, including the increasingly popular nicotine pouches and all types of e-cigarettes. The Polish Sejm (lower house of parliament) passed the amendment to the Act on Health Protection against the Consequences of Using Tobacco and Tobacco Products on May 21st. This move makes Poland one of the first EU countries to establish clear rules for these emerging nicotine products.
A primary focus of the new law is the protection of minors. It introduces a comprehensive ban on the sale of all e-cigarettes (regardless of nicotine content) and nicotine pouches to anyone under the age of 18. This prohibition extends to online sales and aims to address alarming data showing easy access for young people. Studies, including one commissioned by the Children's Ombudsman in 2020, revealed that a majority of underage smokers and vapers were purchasing products themselves or via adult acquaintances, with a significant portion also buying online despite existing restrictions.
The updated law mandates that nicotine pouches and e-cigarette refill containers must now carry appropriate warning labels. It also introduces oversight of their chemical composition and requires health risk assessments. Furthermore, these products are now subject to strict advertising and promotion restrictions. This regulatory action directly responds to concerns raised by figures like Children's Ombudsman Monika Horna-Cieślak and a coalition of 22 public health organizations, who highlighted the aggressive marketing of flavored nicotine pouches with colorful packaging appealing to youth.
While prioritizing youth protection, experts also acknowledge the harm reduction potential of smokeless nicotine products like pouches for adult smokers seeking less harmful alternatives to combustible cigarettes. However, concerns were raised about other potential legislative actions, such as a complete ban on disposable e-cigarettes (even nicotine-free ones for adults) and flavored nicotine pouches, which some fear could equate these products with traditional cigarettes, ignoring risk differences and potentially fueling the illicit market.
The new law is seen as a crucial first step, but experts emphasize the ongoing need for broad public education to ensure understanding of the risks and differences between various nicotine products. Effective monitoring, enforcement, and a national strategy are deemed essential for tackling nicotine addiction in the long term.
