Bulgarian Government Proposes Ban on Flavored Vapes

The Bulgarian government has proposed a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes that have distinctive aromatic qualities and contain flavorings in any of their components (such as filters, paper, packaging, capsules, or other technical elements).

According to news site Novinite, the Bulgarian government has proposed a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes that have aromatic flavors and contain flavorings in any of their components (such as filters, paper, packaging, capsules, or other technical elements).

The Bulgarian government has submitted a bill to the parliament to amend the Tobacco and Related Products Act. Previously, tobacco companies were not required to add health warnings on the packaging of heated tobacco products, but this will change if the bill is passed.

When heated tobacco products are classified under the smokeless category, the labeling requirements applicable to smokeless tobacco products should be clearly stated. If tobacco products contain a certain amount of additives that significantly increase the product's toxicity, addictiveness, or carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity when consumed, their use will be prohibited.

Furthermore, any e-cigarettes or smoking devices that do not comply with legal requirements will be immediately removed from the market. Currently, public concern about children using such products is increasing, and various nicotine-containing tobacco alternatives can be sold freely. The existing laws do not regulate these products and their sales, but the nicotine content in nicotine products varies widely, ranging from 6 mg to 50 mg, allowing young people to purchase and use these products without restrictions.

It is also specifically mentioned that e-cigarettes and/or refillable smoking devices that do not meet the requirements of this law and were produced or placed on the market before this law takes effect may continue to be provided and sold until they are sold out, but no later than January 1, 2024. 

The same provisions also apply to heated tobacco products produced or placed on the market before October 23, 2023, that do not meet the requirements of this law.