Sixteen European Union nations have called on the European Commission to propose new laws regulating and taxing electronic cigarettes. This unified request highlights the need to update the EU’s 2011 tobacco taxation law to include modern products like vapes.
Led by the Netherlands, the proposal has support from Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, and Spain. Additionally, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Bulgaria, Ireland, Slovenia, Portugal, and Slovakia also back the initiative, emphasizing its wide-reaching importance.
In a joint letter to the Commission, finance ministers stressed the urgency of tackling regulatory gaps in the current framework. They argued that the absence of EU-wide standards allows inconsistent rules and taxation levels, distorting the bloc’s single market.
“Under current laws, these products cannot be taxed like traditional tobacco, creating challenges for national administrations,” the letter explained. Furthermore, ministers noted that countries have implemented their own rules, causing fragmentation and market imbalance.
European Union Tobacco Taxation Law
Although an update to the EU’s tobacco taxation law was planned for late 2022, delays have stalled progress. Governments now urge the new Commission, which started its term on December 1, to address the issue immediately.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has introduced some e-cigarette regulations, including nicotine content limits and mandatory product labeling. These measures aim to prevent misuse and ensure manufacturers register their products before selling them.
However, enforcement varies by country. For example, France prohibits vape sales to individuals under 18 and bans their use in certain public spaces. On the other hand, Italy lifted its public vaping ban in 2013 but still restricts usage near schools.
Disposable vapes have drawn particular attention due to health and environmental concerns. France plans to ban disposable vapes entirely, and Germany’s Federal Council has called for similar EU-wide action.
As vaping continues to grow, the push for unified regulations underscores its significant public health and market implications. A harmonized approach could help streamline rules, protect consumers, and maintain market fairness across the EU.
