Netherlands Plans to Ban Flavored Vape Products in 2021

The Netherlands plans to ban flavored vape products starting sometime next year. The government announced on Tuesday that the goal is to reduce the appeal of e-cigarettes to young people.<\/font> The government stated that currently available flavors range from mojito and strawberry ice cream to mango and chocolate.<\/font><\/font><\/p>

According to a Reuters article, e-cigarettes have rapidly gained popularity among young non-smokers due to their sweet flavors and lower health risks, often seen as a gateway to regular tobacco products.<\/font><\/font><\/p>

Paul Blokhuis, the Deputy Minister of Health, stated: "In our country, 20,000 people die from smoking each year, and about 75 children start smoking every day, which is unacceptable. We see that a smoke-free generation also needs to be free of e-cigarettes."<\/font><\/font><\/p>

The government said it will improve 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.<\/font><\/font><\/p>

In a report from the Dutch government in 2017, it was stated that more than a quarter of 12 to 16-year-olds reported that they had tried smoking at least once. Since 2016, the Netherlands has prohibited anyone under the age of 18 from using e-cigarettes and water pipes.<\/font><\/font><\/p>