On February 12, 2025, the Bulgarian Parliament approved in the first reading a law that provides for a total ban on the sale, distribution, and advertising of electronic cigarettes, both disposable and rechargeable, as well as related accessories, including those without nicotine. The proposal received unanimous support, with 197 votes in favor and none against.
The decision was driven by growing concerns over the widespread use of electronic cigarettes among young people and the associated health risks. Bulgaria, which has one of the highest rates of adult smokers in Europe, has seen a significant increase in the use of electronic cigarettes in recent years. Despite previous restrictions on the sale and use of nicotine-containing products for minors under 18, many teenagers continue to access these devices illegally, both through physical retail outlets and online.
A tragic event further fueled the public debate: a 14-year-old boy passed away last January after using an electronic cigarette purchased online, which contained the cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). This incident prompted authorities to take stricter measures to protect minors.
It is important to note that, at this stage, the law has only been approved in the first reading and may undergo further modifications before final adoption. However, the unanimous vote suggests a strong political will to implement these restrictions in the near future. Additionally, it should be noted that before its approval, Bulgaria had not sought the European Union’s authorization for this ban. This could raise concerns about the measure’s compliance with EU law.
This initiative places Bulgaria among the countries with the most restrictive regulations in Europe regarding electronic cigarettes. While some EU member states have adopted measures to regulate or ban specific types of devices, such as disposable electronic cigarettes, Bulgaria’s proposed total ban represents an exceptionally strict stance.