Belgium Approves Vape Flavor Ban, Allowing Only Tobacco-Flavored and Unflavored Products From September 2028
Belgium has approved a ban on flavored vapes, restricting sales to tobacco and unflavored options starting September 2028.Summary
Belgium’s federal government has approved a ban on flavored vapes, a measure set to take effect on September 1, 2028. The legislation will restrict the market to tobacco-flavored and unflavored e-cigarettes only. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke stated that the ban aims to protect the health of children and young people, preventing a new generation from becoming dependent on tobacco. He argued that flavored vapes are deliberately designed to lure young people and mask harmful substances behind appealing flavors like mint, apple, popcorn, or raspberry. This policy aligns with the Netherlands, which already restricts e-cigarettes to tobacco flavors. The decision follows a recommendation from Belgium’s Superior Health Council in November 2025 to sharply reduce allowed flavors, prioritizing youth protection. Belgium was the first EU country to outlaw disposable vapes at the end of 2024 and has tightened rules on smoking and vaping locations. The government will notify the European Commission and aims to implement the rules by September 2028. Other EU countries, such as Slovenia, have adopted similar flavor bans.
(Source：2Firsts)
