Norway is a member of the EEA and there is currently an ongoing process to incorporate the Tobacco Product Directive (2014/40/EU-TPD) into the EEA agreement. To date, vaping products are subject to different regulations based on nicotine content.
Nicotine vaping products
It is forbidden to produce, introduce or sell in Norway electronic cigarettes and e-liquids containing nicotine.
Private import of electronic cigarettes with nicotine for personal/medical use is permitted from the EU/EEA area. These devices are covered by a different legislation regulating the production and import of pharmaceutical products.
Nicotine-free vaping products
Electronic cigarettes without nicotine may be legally sold to people over the age of 18 but these are subject to bans on advertising and sales presentation, as indicated by the Norwegian Ministry of Health.
In order to sell tobacco and tobacco substitutes (including electronic cigarettes), it is necessary to register on the Tobacco Sales Register. All forms of advertising of e-cigs/e-liquids, as well as their exposure and distribution of free products is strictly prohibited by the law.
The new law
In December 2016, the Norwegian Parliament issued a new law, which provides the lifting of the ban on the sale and import of electronic cigarettes and refill containers containing nicotine. The new law will probably come into force in 2022.
The purpose of the new Law is to improve the internal market in the EEA for e-cigarettes and update tobacco regulations in line with the market requirements and the research developments in the field.
Some of the requirements of the new law will be:
- Registration: manufacturers and importers will have to register their products (electronic cigarettes and refilling containers) at least six months before the planned introduction on the market and for any substantial modification of the products.
- Information: manufacturers, importers and distributors will have a system for collecting information on all believed harmful or undesirable effects of the product on human health. Information on notification obligations will be issued by the Ministry.
- Market Monitoring: manufacturers and importers will have to report annually the sales volume, consumer preferences, sales manner and summary of market research.
Once the new Law will be in force, all the requirements will be clarified.