Vilnius, Lithuania – The Seimas of Lithuania has approved amendments to the Tobacco Control Law, introducing stricter penalties for businesses selling tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. These changes aim to curb the accessibility of such products, especially to minors, and to enhance enforcement mechanisms against violations.
Unified Fines for Tobacco Sales to Minors
The amendments impose proportional increases in fines for selling tobacco products to minors or individuals prohibited from purchasing them. The decision comes amid concerns over the growing use of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products among youth.
Antanas Matulas, Chair of the Health Commission, initially advocated for even higher fines specifically for e-cigarettes. However, the Seimas decided on equal penalties for all tobacco products. Under the new regulations:
- Fines for selling any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to minors will range from €4,000 to €6,000 (up from the current €3,000).
- Repeat offenses will incur penalties of €6,000 to €10,000, along with permanent revocation of retail licenses.
In addition, businesses violating regulations on the composition, quality, or labeling of e-cigarettes will face fines of €1,500 to €3,000, with repeat violations carrying fines of up to €8,000.
Addressing Illegal Trade and Online Sales
Ieva Kačinskaitė-Urbonienė, a member of the Mixed Parliamentary Group, highlighted the challenges in regulating e-cigarette sales, particularly online, where minors often acquire unregulated products.
“Minors cannot legally purchase e-cigarettes, yet they often obtain them through illegal websites. These products sometimes contain unidentified substances, leading to numerous cases of poisoning,” said Kačinskaitė-Urbonienė in an interview with Kurier Wileński. “We must enhance efforts to prevent the influx of such products into Lithuania and enforce proportional penalties for those involved in this trade.”
She also called for increased funding for police, customs, and intelligence services to strengthen measures against illicit imports and the distribution of products containing narcotics.
Youth Perspectives on Accessibility
Despite stricter enforcement, young people admit that accessing tobacco products is still possible, albeit more challenging. A teenager interviewed by Kurier Wileński shared, “During the pandemic, it was easier to buy cigarettes as masks concealed our faces. Now, most vendors require ID, so we rely on adults to purchase for us, often paying extra. The easiest way to get e-cigarettes is online, and that’s what most people do.”
A Growing Need for Action
The new regulations represent a significant step in Lithuania’s ongoing fight against youth tobacco consumption. However, effective enforcement and cross-border cooperation will be critical to achieving the desired outcomes.
