The end of “tasty” e-cigarettes: Court confirms flavour ban
Latvia's Constitutional Court upheld the ban on flavoured e-liquids, prioritizing public health over business property rights.Summary
Latvia's Constitutional Court has confirmed that amendments banning flavourings in e-liquids and tobacco substitute products comply with the Constitution. Two companies, Pro Vape (Salt brand) and MASS Industry SIA, had challenged the restrictions, which prohibit placing on the market e-liquids containing flavourings other than those producing a tobacco smell or taste, effective from the start of 2025. The Court acknowledged that the regulation restricts the applicants' commercial property rights but found that the legitimate aim is to protect public health, especially among children and adolescents, given the addictive nature of nicotine and the rapid rise in e-cigarette use among Latvian youth. The Court concluded that the restriction is part of a broader package of measures serving the national importance of public health and societal welfare, and that the benefit to society outweighs the harm to the businesses. The legislature was advised to continue monitoring the effectiveness of these measures.
(Source：Baltic News Network)
