Ireland's Latest Ban Takes Effect on December 22: No Vape Sales to Under-18s

Starting tomorrow, a new ban on the sale of vape products to people under 18 will take effect. The law makes it illegal to sell nicotine inhalation products, commonly known as e-cigarettes, to children.

Violating the law may result in a fine of up to €4,000 and up to six months in prison.

Previously, Ireland had no mandatory age limit for the sale of e-cigarettes.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has signed the commencement order for the law and thanked colleagues in the Oireachtas who “understood the urgency for our children.”

The remaining measures in the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill, such as new advertising rules, a licensing system, and taxes on e-liquids and vending machines, will take effect next year. There are also plans to ban the promotion of vape products near schools and on public transport in order to limit exposure to commercial messaging for these products.

Mr. Donnelly said yesterday: “I committed to bringing into effect before Christmas the law banning the sale of vape products to under-18s, and I am pleased to be able to do that by signing the commencement order.”

“I want to thank colleagues in both Houses of the Oireachtas, who understood the urgency for our children and supported me in implementing this law quickly.”

“I also want to thank the officials in my Department and the Office of the Attorney General, who worked hard to complete the statutory instrument so that we can implement this ban from tomorrow.”

“In 2024, I will commence the remaining measures in the Bill, such as those around advertising, the licensing regime and vending machines, and I will examine the results of our public consultation on further regulation of e-cigarettes and some innovative tobacco control proposals.”

Junior Health Minister Hildegarde Naughton said the implementation of the law was “a good start.”

“I look forward to the results of our public consultation, particularly regarding options for further regulation of nicotine inhalation products, especially recommendations around flavors and packaging,” Ms. Naughton added.

At present, a public consultation on future regulation is underway and will close on January 5.

The consultation seeks public views on measures such as in-store product displays, flavors, packaging, and taxation of e-liquids, which could “reduce the appeal of nicotine inhalation products to young people, further denormalize smoking behavior, and improve public health.”

The new age restriction on the sale of vape products follows similar plans in several European countries, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Australia has announced a full ban on the import of disposable e-cigarettes starting January 1 in order to curb the sharp rise in youth vaping.