Polish Health Minister Prepares Legislation to Ban Sales of E-cigarettes to Minors

Jun.03.2024
Polish Health Minister Prepares Legislation to Ban Sales of E-cigarettes to Minors
Poland's Health Minister prepares legislation to ban sales of disposable e-cigarettes to children under 18, seeking Prime Minister's support.

According to RP.PL on May 31st, Polish Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna announced on Friday (May 31st) that the Ministry of Health is prepared to legislate the ban on selling disposable e-cigarettes to children and adolescents under the age of 18. Leszczyna told the media that she hopes to implement the law as soon as possible and will seek the support of the Prime Minister.


Leshchina stated at a health department meeting in Poznan that she has prepared a draft legislation and will be consulting with the health department research center next week. After thorough consultation and expert analysis, she expressed hope to implement the law by the end of the year in order to protect children and teenagers.


Leshchyna publicly pledged in February to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, and this law is the implementation of that promise. This is one of two projects prepared by the Ministry of Health. The first project is more complex and requires notification to the European Union, so a second project was created specifically targeting children and adolescents under the age of 18.


When asked whether the ban includes heated tobacco products, Leshchyna cited the European Tobacco Directive. She emphasized that the directive stipulates that all products containing nicotine, children and adolescents cannot purchase any e-cigarette containing nicotine, whether disposable or non-disposable. Furthermore, she emphasized that she is more concerned about prohibiting them from purchasing e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine, as these products are also harmful.


The minister stated that she has requested the National Enterprise Regulatory Authority and the Consumer Competition Protection Office to assist the Ministry of Health's activities.


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