Half of e-cigarettes in Europe are illegal and almost all come from China
A study reveals that almost half of e-cigarettes in Europe are illegal, with 90% of these originating from China, costing EU billions in lost revenue.Summary
A recent study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS) found that nearly half of all e-cigarettes sold in Europe are illicit, representing a market valued at €6.6 billion in 2026 and projected to reach €10.8 billion by 2030. The vast majority (90%) of these irregular products come from China, particularly Shenzhen, where mass production occurs with minimal regulation regarding flavors and safety standards. These products enter the EU through major ports in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, often evading taxes and quality checks. The study highlights fragmented EU regulations and insufficient customs controls as key factors enabling this illicit trade, leading to significant tax losses for member states – €119 million in Germany alone in 2024 – and posing serious health risks, especially to young people. Experts recommend uniform product definitions, digital traceability systems, and increased cooperation with Chinese authorities to address the issue, cautioning against outright bans which could worsen the problem.
(Source：Brussels Signal)
