Crackdown on E-cigarette Violations in Belgium Sparks Controversy

Jan.07.2025
Crackdown on E-cigarette Violations in Belgium Sparks Controversy
Belgian authorities find half of e-cigarette businesses violating regulations, leading to impending bans on certain products and displays.

According to a report by Lavenir on January 6th, inspections conducted by the Belgian Federal Public Health Services Department (FPS Health) show that half of the e-cigarette vendors are engaging in violations. In Brussels, this percentage is as high as 80%. Furthermore, two-thirds of the inspections found that the ingredients of e-cigarettes did not comply with regulations.


According to reports, Belgium will ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes starting in January 2025. From April 1, 2025, all stores nationwide will not be allowed to openly display tobacco products they sell. This means not only hiding brand logos, but also hiding the actual products.


Minister of Health Frank Vandenbroucke has stated that if the number of violations of the new regulations remains high, he will increase efforts to crack down on non-compliant businesses.


CD&V (Christian Democratic Party) member Els Van Hoof believes that more measures need to be taken to reduce the appeal of e-cigarettes, such as restricting the flavors available. She has recently introduced a bill in parliament which is currently under review.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

UK’s North Yorkshire Council plans up to £477,000 spend on e-cigarettes to support quitting smoking
UK’s North Yorkshire Council plans up to £477,000 spend on e-cigarettes to support quitting smoking
North Yorkshire Council in the UK is set to spend up to £477,000 on e-cigarettes to support residents quitting smoking. Since e-cigarettes were added to the council’s Living Well Smokefree service in July 2023, 487 people have used them to quit, with about a third remaining smoke-free after a year.
Mar.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian consumer group urges Kremlin administration to reject regional vape sales bans
Russian consumer group urges Kremlin administration to reject regional vape sales bans
A Russian consumer organization has urged the Presidential Administration to block proposals that would let regions ban ENDS and e-liquid sales, warning it would create fragmented regulation and turbocharge the illicit market. The group cites WHO statistics and overseas experiences to argue for a more targeted regulatory model.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Flags 2026 Headwinds from Japan Taxes, Sees Smoke-Free Growth Re-Accelerating Beyond in Earnings Call
PMI Flags 2026 Headwinds from Japan Taxes, Sees Smoke-Free Growth Re-Accelerating Beyond in Earnings Call
PMI said on its latest earnings call that Japan’s tax cycle will weigh on 2026 performance, while smoke-free growth is expected to re-accelerate thereafter. The discussion also covered U.S. regulation, ZYN strategy and AI-driven efficiency.
Feb.07
PMI reshuffles U.S. footprint: Swedish Match to shut Richmond office in April; most staff may be relocated
PMI reshuffles U.S. footprint: Swedish Match to shut Richmond office in April; most staff may be relocated
Swedish Match, a unit of Philip Morris International (PMI), will close its office in Richmond, Virginia, in April 2026 and eliminate 135 positions. PMI said the move is tied to adjustments in its U.S. operating footprint.
Feb.03
Russia’s Duma Deputy Speaker Davankov calls for a total vape ban, citing drug sales disguised as vapes
Russia’s Duma Deputy Speaker Davankov calls for a total vape ban, citing drug sales disguised as vapes
Vladislav Davankov, deputy speaker of Russia’s State Duma, urged a nationwide ban on vapes, arguing it would help prevent drugs being sold under the cover of vaping products, including near schools. The remarks come as Russia prepares to enforce a separate ban on vape sales at public transport stops starting Sept. 1, 2026.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Fiscal benefit, not health, strongest indicator for vape bans – Contributed by Samrat Chowdhery
Fiscal benefit, not health, strongest indicator for vape bans – Contributed by Samrat Chowdhery
Data shows 75% of nations with state stakes in tobacco trade ban modern substitutes compared to 10% in the free-market group. What is driving these divergent regulations?
Feb.04