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 [...]

Russia is preparing to completely ban electronic cigarettes, both with and without nicotine. The proposal, supported by the Ministry of Health, aims to counter the rise of vaping among young people and protect public health. Since 2023, Russia has progressively tightened restrictions on the use and sale of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. As of June 1, 2023, online sales of e-cigarettes have been prohibited, along with their display in physical retail outlets. Furthermore, starting from March 2024, the production, storage, import, and export of vaping products, whether they contain nicotine or not, require a specific license, and certain e-liquid flavors may be banned. On May 31, 2024, a bill was submitted to the State Duma proposing a total ban on the retail sale of all electronic cigarettes, regardless of nicotine content. The proposal is driven by a significant increase in e-cigarette use among Russian adolescents, with a tenfold rise between 2011 and 2023. In particular, flavored disposable devices are considered especially appealing to minors. Previous regulations had already prohibited the sale of e-cigarettes to minors and the addition of flavors to vaping products. However, the widespread use among young people and the easy accessibility of these devices have led authorities to consider even stricter measures. In December 2023, a law was proposed introducing penalties of up to seven years in prison for the smuggling of vaping products, in an effort to combat the black market and protect public health. These initiatives reflect Russia's strict approach to controlling tobacco and vaping products, with the goal of reducing their spread among young people and preventing potential health risks. On February 19, 2025, the [...]

The government of Vietnam has announced a total ban on electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. This decision was made to protect public health, with a particular focus on young people, and comes in response to growing concerns about the rise of vaping among minors. Despite the lack of specific regulations until now, the Ministry of Health has pushed for decisive action, highlighting the risks associated with the uncontrolled spread of these products. The ban also aims to prevent social issues linked to illicit and unsupervised use. With this measure, Vietnam aligns itself with other Asian countries that are adopting increasingly strict policies on vaping. For example, Singapore has taken a particularly tough stance, with the Ministry of Health imposing fines even for the personal possession of an e-cigarette, alongside running a highly detailed informational website on the subject.