Taxes Raise Open-System Vape Costs, Making Disposables the Mainstream in Slovenia

Local reporters investigated the e-cigarette market in Slovenia and found that the local market is primarily dominated by disposables.

[Two Supreme News] According to vaporvoice on August 27, vaporvoice published an article visiting the local e-cigarette market in Slovenia, focusing on distributors Vape On and VAPEX, with the following main findings:

· In Slovenia, disposable e-cigarettes are the mainstream product.

· Slovenia imposes an 18 euro cent tax (about 1.3 RMB) per milliliter of e-liquid, which adds an extra 4.5 euros (about 36 RMB) to a small bottle of 25 milliliters of nicotine e-liquid; the same tax rate applies to nicotine-free products. Coupled with value-added tax, the price of open-system e-cigarettes has significantly increased, making disposable e-cigarettes a more cost-effective product. 

· In Slovenia, regulations prohibit the sale of pre-mixed flavors. A 60-milliliter bottle of private label e-liquid is priced at 19 euros (about 150 RMB). However, this e-liquid contains no nicotine and has no flavoring. Users must purchase nicotine and flavoring separately to mix their own flavors. 

· In Slovenia, business models combining “e-cigarettes + coffee shops” and “e-cigarettes + bars” are emerging continuously. 

· VAPEX stores sell HHC products (legal alternatives to cannabis and THC), mostly gummies or herbs. However, HHC cannot be sold openly; store owners will only sell it if customers actively request it. 

· The VAPEX store owner discussed Croatia's e-cigarette regulations, which differ from Slovenia's; Croatian regulations are more aligned with Germany's. The owner stated that if Germany decides to restrict or regulate flavors, Croatia might follow suit. 

References:

[1] Vaping Industry in Slovenia Mostly Disposables