Belgium will prohibit the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes starting 1 January due to health and environmental concerns.
Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke stated that these low-cost e-cigarettes have become a public health issue as they provide an easy gateway for teenagers to start smoking and become addicted to nicotine.
“Disposable e-cigarettes are a new product designed solely to attract new users,” he remarked.
“E-cigarettes frequently contain nicotine. Nicotine leads to addiction. Nicotine is detrimental to your health. These are undeniable facts.”
Due to their disposable nature, the components such as plastic, batteries, and circuits pose an environmental burden.
Furthermore, “they generate hazardous waste chemicals that remain in discarded items,” Mr. Vandenbroucke added.
The health minister highlighted that he also targeted disposable e-cigarettes since reusable alternatives could serve as tools for individuals trying to quit smoking if they lack other options.
This year, Australia instituted strict regulations prohibiting the sale of “vapes” outside pharmacies, making it one of the most stringent policies on electronic cigarettes globally. Now, Belgium is spearheading the movement in the EU.
“We are the first country in Europe to implement this,” Mr. Vandenbroucke stated.
He is advocating for stronger tobacco control measures within the 27-nation bloc.
“We are urging the European Commission to propose new initiatives to update and modernize tobacco legislation,” he emphasized.
There is a level of acceptance for Belgium’s decision, even among some retailers of electronic cigarettes, particularly regarding environmental concerns.
“The battery still functions. What’s troubling is that it could be recharged, but there’s no way to do so,” observed Steven Pomeranc, owner of the Brussels Vapotheque. “So, you can imagine the level of pollution it generates.”
While a ban typically results in financial losses for the industry, Mr. Pomeranc believes the impact will be minimal.
“We have numerous alternative solutions that are also user-friendly,” he noted. “For instance, this pod system, which comes pre-filled with liquid and can easily be clipped into a rechargeable e-cigarette. Thus, we will merely see a transition of clients towards this new system.”
