The new measures, proposed by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance, are intended to address the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes, flavored tobacco products, and other nicotine-based items, particularly among young people.
The changes are part of a broader effort to protect public health and combat addiction.
The laws, which draw on recommendations from the World Health Organization, are expected to take effect by the summer, pending approval by the European Commission.
The rapid increase in the popularity of e-cigarettes has prompted the government to take action.
According to European Commission data, sales of electronic cigarettes have soared by over 2,000 percent across the European Union in recent years.
In Poland, disposable e-cigarettes with enticing flavors have become a trendy substitute for traditional tobacco products. Over 2,000 new e-cigarette models entered the Polish market in 2022 alone.
The relatively low price of these products, ranging between PLN 20 and PLN 35 (USD 5 to USD 9), has made them accessible to school-aged children.
Experts warn that a single e-cigarette can contain as much nicotine as two packs of traditional cigarettes, and flavorings such as menthol mask the harshness of nicotine, increasing the risk of addiction.
"Our goal is to protect public health, and the most effective way to do this is by reducing the economic and physical accessibility of these products while making them less attractive," said Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna.
One of the key elements of the new legislation is a ban on the sale of heated tobacco products with characteristic flavors. The Ministry of Health cited the appeal of such products to young users, who often begin experimenting with nicotine through flavored options.
The proposed changes align with a European Union directive already adopted by 22 member states.
Once implemented, manufacturers and importers of heated tobacco products will no longer be allowed to add flavorings such as menthol, which experts say make it harder to quit smoking.
Products containing such additives will be removed from the market within nine months of the law's enactment.
The draft legislation also aims to restrict the sale of nicotine pouches and nicotine-free e-cigarettes, banning their sale to individuals under 18. These products will no longer be available in vending machines, online, or in public spaces such as schools, playgrounds and bus stops.
The laws introduce new advertising restrictions, prohibiting promotions that present such products as healthier alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
Packaging will be required to include detailed health warnings, and manufacturers will need to report product compositions to the Office for Chemical Substances. Nicotine pouches will also face a limit of 20 milligrams of nicotine per gram.
To further curb the availability of nicotine products, the legislation introduces new taxes.
Vaporizers will be subject to a PLN 40 excise tax, while liquid for disposable e-cigarettes will also incur the same tax rate. Nicotine pouches will face a gradually increasing tax, starting at PLN 150 per kilogram in 2025 and reaching PLN 250 by 2027.
The tax on vaporizers and e-cigarette liquids will take effect on April 1, with enforcement beginning July 1.
Taxes on nicotine pouches and other nicotine products will follow on August 1.
The new measures are also designed to address environmental concerns. Disposable e-cigarettes, which are often made of plastic and contain toxic batteries, pose a significant ecological threat.
By restricting their availability, the government hopes to reduce waste and lessen their environmental impact.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, pap-mediaroom.pl