Monaco Plans to Legislate a Ban on the Sale of Disposable E-cigarettes?

On October 16, news from French media Nice MAT reported that the Monaco government announced at a press conference that it is drafting a bill aimed at banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes (commonly referred to as PUFF) that are widely used by teenagers. However, rechargeable devices will not be affected.

Monaco's Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Christophe Robino, stated to the media that the bill is nearly complete and will soon be submitted to the National Council. He explained the rationale behind this policy, noting that the circulation of disposable e-cigarettes is unpopular for two main reasons: first, health concerns, as officials are aware that teenagers are at a very high risk of transitioning from disposable e-cigarettes to cigarettes, which is related to nicotine content; second, environmental concerns, as these battery-operated devices, when discarded carelessly, can impact the environment. Such concerns have also been recognized by many other countries in France and Europe. Previously, French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne announced her government's determination to ban disposable e-cigarettes as part of France's anti-smoking plan. Additionally, Robino added that rechargeable e-cigarettes will not be affected by future legislation in Monaco.