2FIRSTS | Bulgaria’s Disposable Vape Ban Receives Formal Approval From the European Commission
The European Commission has approved Bulgaria’s ban on disposable e-cigarettes, initiating a three-month phase-out period to protect public health.Summary
The European Commission has formally approved Bulgarian legislation banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes. The decision, published on March 16, 2026, follows Bulgaria’s notification citing a significant increase in vape use among students aged 13-15, with one in four reportedly using these products. Bulgarian authorities highlighted concerns about appealing flavors, low prices, nicotine’s impact on adolescent brain development, and environmental waste generated by disposable vapes. The Commission concluded the ban is justified, necessary, and proportionate for public health protection, noting existing measures were insufficient to curb youth access. Bulgaria is the third EU country, following France and Belgium, to implement such a ban, and will now begin a three-month market phase-out, allowing for existing stock to be cleared or exported.
(Source：2Firsts)
