In a press conference held on Friday, Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna announced a draft bill to prohibit the sale of disposable e-cigarettes to children and teenagers under 18. She expressed hope for swift implementation, stating that she would seek the Prime Minister’s support.
“I have a draft bill ready and next week, I will discuss it at the Prime Minister’s office,” Leszczyna said. “I have completed all consultations and analyses with experts, primarily doctors. I am convinced that we will establish a law to protect the kids. I hope that by the summer holidays, we will have secured protection for children and teenagers under 18.”
This proposed ban fulfills promises made by the Minister of Health in February. The health department has prepared two projects to tackle this issue. The first is more comprehensive and would require EU notification. The second focuses specifically on protecting children and teenagers up to 18.
When asked if the statutory ban would also cover tobacco heaters, Minister Leszczyna referred to the European Tobacco Directive, which regulates all nicotine-containing products. “Children and teenagers cannot buy such e-cigarettes, whether disposable or not, which contain nicotine,” she clarified. “However, what I care about the most is that they also should not be able to purchase those electronic cigarettes that do not contain nicotine—as they are accessible to them and, as all experts virtually agree, are simply harmful.”
To bolster the Ministry of Health’s efforts, Leszczyna has sought support from the State Trade Inspection and the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection. By working together with these agencies, the health department aims to enforce the proposed ban effectively and ensure the well-being of Poland’s youth remains a top priority.
The introduction of this legislation marks a significant step towards protecting children and teenagers from the potential dangers associated with e-cigarette use. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, the Ministry of Health remains committed to safeguarding the health of the nation’s youth and creating a safer environment for all.
