Last updated: May 29, 2024

Main Policies

Sale of e-cigarettes

Sale of e-cigarettes

Allowed
Analysis

The law allows the sale of e-cigarettes, subject to a number of restrictions including location-based sales restrictions and a ban on vending machine sales.

Main policies

Use in indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport

Some Restrictions
Analysis

The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in places where smoking is prohibited, which includes educational facilities and most means of public transport (not including commercial watercraft). As with smoking, the use of e-cigarettes is allowed in designated areas in select places including, but not limited to, healthcare facilities, cultural facilities, sports facilities, shops and consumer services facilities, catering facilities (except those selling tobacco), government facilities, and public transport facilities.

Advertising and promotion (excluding point of sale product display)

Some Restrictions
Analysis

The law bans most forms of advertising of e-liquid, except advertisements placed on manufacturers’ and importers’ websites. In addition, the law prohibits the free distribution of e-cigarettes and e-liquid. However, other forms of advertising, promotion and sponsorship not mentioned here are allowed. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.

Point of sale product display

Some Restrictions
Analysis

The law prohibits the retail sale of e-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquids by “self-service methods in other ways in which the buyer has direct access to these products.” The law further specifies that the display of e-cigarette liquids is prohibited in store windows and in/on other retail equipment. However, this does not apply to duty-free shops. As a result of this exception, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.

Sale of e-cigarettes via the internet

Some Restrictions
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of e-liquid via the internet, but specifically exempts e-cigarette devices (“electronic smoking systems”) from the ban on internet sales.

Flavors (other than tobacco flavor)

Allowed
Analysis

There is no law addressing flavors in e-cigarettes; therefore, the use of flavors in e-cigarettes is allowed.

Specified ingredients/additives

Not Regulated
Analysis

There is no law addressing ingredients or additives in e-cigarettes; therefore, there are no restrictions on the use of ingredients or additives in e-cigarettes.

Health warnings on product packaging

Required
Analysis

The law requires the one of the following statements to appear on product packaging: "The product contains nicotine, a toxic substance that is highly addictive" or "The product is harmful to your health". The statement must occupy 50% of the front of the package. Each statement should appear on approximately an equal number of unit packages.

Other product packaging and labeling requirements

Required
Analysis

The law lists information that is required on each product package including product name, company name and location, expiration date, composition and volume of the e-liquid, and other information not listed here. In addition, the packaging must state that sales are prohibited to individuals under 18. These requirements apply to the packaging of both the e-cigarette device and e-liquid.

In addition, the packaging must not include words, signs, or symbols that cause associations with food products or that directly or indirectly create the impression that the product has a taste of food or less harmful to health than other tobacco products. Further, packaging must not include images of food products, medicines, medicinal plants, words, or phrases that can directly or indirectly cause associations of the product with food products, medicines, or medicinal plants.

Maximum nicotine concentration

Required
Analysis

The law establishes a maximum nicotine concentration of 20 mg/ml.

Device requirements

Required
Analysis

The law imposes limits on tank and refill container volume. Any single use/disposable cartridges must not exceed a volume of 2 ml; refill containers must not exceed a volume of 10 ml.

Manufacturer/importer disclosures and/or notification requirements

Not Required
Analysis

There is no law addressing manufacturer/importer disclosure and/or notification requirements; therefore, no manufacturer/importer disclosure and/or notification is required.

Location-based sales

Regulated
Analysis

The retail sale of e-cigarettes is prohibited in a number of locations, including: at trade fairs, auctions, trading places in markets, and commission trade; in specialized stores selling goods for children and adolescents; in sports facilities; and in education, health and cultural institutions. In addition, in stores and pavilions with more than 1,000 square meters of retail space, sales are restricted to special trade departments.

Sale of e-cigarettes via vending machines

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes via vending machines.