Starting 1 December 2025, new regulations will significantly reshape the e-cigarette market. The updated rules clearly define which ingredients may be used in liquids, what information must appear on packaging, and which technical standards devices must meet to be considered compliant. The main goal is to reduce the appeal of vaping among young people and provide greater transparency for consumers.
Ban on Sweet Flavours, Cannabinoids and High-Risk Additives
The new regulation prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes and liquids containing:
- cannabinoids and derivatives
- sugars, sweeteners and substances that create sweet flavours
- psychomodulating substances
- vitamins and additives suggesting health benefits
- stimulants such as caffeine and taurine
- additives that colour the vapour
- mineral or vegetable oils and fats
- substances with carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxicity
This means flavours inspired by cakes, candies and other sweets, considered highly attractive to minors, will disappear from the market.
Seven Months to Clear Existing Stock
Products manufactured or placed on the market before the new rules take effect may be sold for a limited time. Retailers will have seven months to clear non-compliant stock. After that, every item must fully meet the new requirements.
Health Warnings and Less Attractive Packaging
Mandatory health warnings must be printed directly on the packaging, permanently and clearly.
Products containing nicotine will display a warning about its strong addictive potential. Even liquids without nicotine must include a message highlighting health risks.
Warnings must cover a significant portion of the packaging, be centrally positioned and remain unobstructed. No text or imagery may minimise risks or imply natural, ecological or health-related benefits.
Packaging must also be neutral and non-appealing: no references to sweets, toys or beauty products, and no promotional messages encouraging purchase. The goal is to ensure e-cigarettes are not attractive to young users.
Growth of Vaping Among Young People
In recent years, e-cigarette use has increased significantly. Nearly 14% of the population now vapes regularly, with particularly high growth among young people aged 15 to 24, more than a quarter of whom vape habitually.
Many users have never smoked traditional cigarettes. This indicates vaping may serve as a first exposure to nicotine, which can affect brain development in adolescents, impacting attention, learning and decision-making.
Widespread Use of Disposable E-Cigarettes and Environmental Impact
Disposable e-cigarettes are extremely popular, although their built-in batteries create substantial environmental impact. In 2023, more than 36 million disposable devices and over 65 million refills were sold. At European level, a gradual phase-out is under discussion to reduce waste.
Conclusion: Retailers Must Adapt to the New Rules
These new regulations aim to protect public health, limit vaping among young people and ensure greater clarity for consumers.
For retailers, this change is also an opportunity: promptly adapting will allow continued lawful sales, avoidance of penalties and the offer of safe, compliant products.
Updating product ranges, checking labels and verifying liquid composition is essential. Preparing now will ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted business operations.
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