Key Points
- The draft law UD213 seeks a total ban on disposable e-cigarettes, including nicotine-free devices.
- The Ministry of Health highlights the addictive appeal and environmental hazards of single-use vapes.
- Nicotine pouches, gums, sprays, and drinks would also fall under stricter regulation.
- Doctors support the ban; pharmacists urge retention of regulated nicotine pouches for adults.
- Public debate calls for a national harm-reduction strategy rather than blanket prohibition.
2Firsts, November 25, 2025 - According to Polish media Strefa Biznesu, Poland’s government is moving forward with a bill (UD213) that would introduce a total ban on disposable e-cigarettes, regardless of nicotine content. The Ministry of Health says the measure is designed to protect youth from nicotine addiction and to limit both health and environmental damage caused by such products.
The ministry noted that disposable vapes:
- Have high marketing appeal, particularly to young users;
- Are ready-to-use and highly addictive;
- Contain toxic and immunosuppressive substances;
- Are difficult to recycle due to their plastic bodies and lithium-ion batteries.
The bill would also bring nicotine pouches and other emerging nicotine products — such as gums, sprays, and beverages — under a pharmaceutical-style regime, restricting their sale and distribution. Poland’s Office for Chemical Substances would be empowered to order composition testing of e-liquid formulations.
Medical experts broadly support the ban as a key step in public health protection but urge policymakers not to overreach.
Pulmonologist Dr. Katarzyna Kołcz wrote in a letter to Health Minister Maciej Berek that single-use vapes pose a serious threat to youth:
“These products have an exceptionally high potential to initiate nicotine addiction among young people — especially because of their attractive design, colorful packaging, and aggressive marketing.”
Pharmacists, however, signed a letter from Dr. Dawid Panek calling for adult access to nicotine pouches to remain legal:
“Although these products are not medical devices, their pharmacological and toxicological profiles resemble nicotine replacement therapies (NRT). They do not involve the respiratory system and thus present fewer health risks.”
Both medical and pharmaceutical groups argue that Poland’s anti-nicotine policy should combine restrictions with harm-reduction strategies. Their proposals include:
Maintaining adult access to smokeless nicotine alternatives;
Implementing strict composition and labeling controls;
Allowing certain flavors (e.g., mint) to support cessation programs;
Developing a national anti-nicotine strategy modeled on Sweden and New Zealand, where regulated smokeless products have successfully reduced smoking rates.
Open Letter to the President
The Jump 93 Association sent an open letter to President Karol Nawrocki (卡罗尔·纳夫罗茨基), calling for an open national debate on nicotine policy. The organization criticized the Health Ministry for ignoring months of requests for a transparent, science-based discussion.
The letter warns that equating the risks of traditional cigarettes with alternative nicotine forms — such as pouches and e-cigarettes — contradicts scientific evidence and international experience.
“Conventional cigarettes cause the greatest harm. Transitioning to less harmful nicotine products forms the basis of anti-nicotine policies in countries like Sweden, New Zealand, and the UK,” said Jacek Charmast, president of Jump 93.
The organization stressed that silencing harm-reduction advocates stigmatizes scientific perspectives and undermines efforts to protect both youth and smokers seeking to quit.
Image source: Strefa Biznesu
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
