Poland has taken a decisive step to protect its youth from nicotine addiction by enacting a new law that bans the sale of all types of electronic cigarettes (vapes) and nicotine pouches to individuals under the age of 18. Polish President Andrzej Duda has signed the amendment, which aims to make these products officially inaccessible to teenagers.
The new regulations are comprehensive, extending the sales ban to online purchases and vending machines, effectively closing common loopholes exploited by minors. Retail stores will be required to display special warnings about this prohibition. These sales restrictions are expected to take effect within two weeks of the law’s official publication.
Furthermore, the law expands restrictions on the use of e-cigarettes. Even devices containing nicotine-free liquid are now banned from use in certain public places where nicotine-containing vapes were already prohibited. This includes public transport stops, restaurants, playgrounds, and schools, aiming to protect passive smokers and create healthier public environments. The Polish authorities hope these measures will shift societal norms and safeguard national health. This move comes as other countries, like Ukraine, reportedly struggle with enforcing similar bans effectively.
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