Similar response: Dutch vapers are stockpiling ahead of the e-cigarette ban

Dutch e-cigarette users are stockpiling supplies ahead of the flavor ban set to take effect in 2024, the Dutch Times reported, citing Esigbond trade association representative Emil ‘t Hart.

“You can see consumers stocking up as much as possible from specialty shops, especially genuine e-cigarette users who switched from cigarettes,” Emil ‘t Hart was quoted as saying.

Starting January 1, 2024, shops will no longer be allowed to sell e-cigarettes or e-liquids in flavors such as peach, mango, or mint. Only tobacco-flavored products will be permitted. The government hopes this measure will prevent young people from developing a nicotine habit and then transitioning to combustible products.

However, Emil ‘t Hart believes the measure will backfire. “People who used to smoke regular cigarettes before switching to e-cigarettes may be tempted to go back to traditional cigarettes,” he said.

According to Emil ‘t Hart, many e-cigarette users have been buying their products from online sellers in France and Spain, or from brick-and-mortar stores in neighboring Belgium and Germany.

The legal challenge against the flavor ban filed by Esigbond in April this year is currently before the court. Emil ‘t Hart expects a ruling this summer.

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has launched a new initiative called “Be Vigilant.” The initiative calls on consumers, vaping professionals, and the public to report illegal and unlawful e-cigarette sellers.

Unfortunately, e-cigarettes are still finding their way into the hands of people under 18. All reputable stores check ID, but some children are still able to get them.

This casts a negative shadow over the entire vaping industry — we’ve all heard people complain that “all kids are vaping.”

The problem with counterfeit and substandard products is that their ingredients or electronic components may be dangerous, so we need to make sure these products do not end up in the hands of the public.

So now is the time for everyone to step up and try to stop this from happening.

UKVIA said: “The only way to stop youth vaping is to address the root cause of the problem — cracking down on rogue traders.”