Key points
- Draft amendment would ban sales of disposable e-cigarettes, with or without nicotine.
- Proposal cites health concerns and a focus on “young adults,” not only minors.
- Environmental concerns highlighted: plastic devices and lithium batteries are hard to recycle.
- Nicotine pouches would be restricted, with only tobacco flavour allowed.
- Authorities would gain stronger powers to order independent testing of e-liquids and emissions.
2Firsts, March 10, 2026
According to WNP, the government is set to review a draft amendment to the country’s tobacco control law that would outlaw the sale of disposable e-cigarettes — including nicotine-free versions — while adding tighter controls on nicotine pouches and other novel nicotine products.
The draft rationale argues that the measures are intended to curb disposable vape use not only among people under 18, but also among adults, with particular emphasis on “young adults.” It points to concerns that e-cigarettes deliver highly addictive nicotine and other substances whose long-term health impacts are not fully understood, citing research that suggests toxic effects on cells and lungs and potential impacts on the immune system.
The proposal also stresses environmental harms: single-use vapes are typically made with plastic and include lithium-ion batteries, making them difficult to recycle. Their design can also complicate oversight of e-liquid composition.
On nicotine pouches, the draft would keep only tobacco-flavoured variants on the market, arguing that sweet, fruity or mint flavours can increase youth appeal.
Enforcement measures would be strengthened as well, including expanded authority to commission tests — by laboratories independent from the nicotine industry — to verify e-liquid composition and emissions from devices. The draft also seeks to clarify oversight of “novel nicotine products” such as gums, tablets, sprays and nicotine drinks, leaning toward restricting market access to a medicines-style pathway that requires evidence of safety and effectiveness.
Image source: WNP
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