Netherlands Plans to Ban Fruit-Flavored Vaping Devices in 2021

The Netherlands plans to ban flavored vaping products starting sometime next year. The government announced on Tuesday that the goal is to reduce the appeal of e-cigarettes to young people. The government stated that the currently available flavors range from mojito and strawberry ice cream to mango and chocolate. A Reuters article noted that e-cigarettes have quickly gained popularity among young non-smokers due to their sweetness and lower health risks, often seen as a gateway to regular tobacco products.

Deputy Minister of Health Paul Blokhuis said: “In our country, 20,000 people die from smoking each year, and about 75 children start smoking every day, which is unacceptable.” “The smoke-free generation we see also needs to be free of e-cigarettes.”

The government stated that it will refine tobacco laws to include a ban on flavored e-cigarettes, which is likely to take effect in the first half of next year. Tobacco-flavored vaping products will still be available, primarily to help regular smokers quit their addiction. In a report from 2017, the Dutch government noted that more than a quarter of 12 to 16-year-olds reported having tried smoking at least once.

Since 2016, the Netherlands has prohibited anyone under 18 from using e-cigarettes and hookahs.