E-cigarettes in Lithuania

Lithuania: Bill XIVP-2791, which would ban vaping products containing sugar and/or sweeteners, was registered in the Seimas (parliament) yesterday. If adopted, it will come into force on 1st November. An explanatory letter says that although the Tobacco Control Act already bans the sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids containing certain additives and non-tobacco flavourings, this has not reduced the popularity of e-cigarettes among young people as expected.

Lithuania: The Seimas (parliament) has approved the government’s 12-year agenda on drug, tobacco and alcohol control, which aims to reduce supply and consumption, media reports. The document recommends that controls should be prepared and implemented at municipal level.

Lithuania: Health minister Arūnas Dulkys has criticised a recent proposal by opposition MP Aurelijas Veryga for a ban on e-cigarettes, media reports. He said a ban would be ineffective since people could still bring in vaping products from other countries.

Lithuania: The National E-cigarette Association has appealed to members of the Seimas (parliament) not to ban vaping products, saying that would merely encourage the black market, media reports. The association said more attention should be given to controlling the illegal market, which enabled minors to purchase vaping products.

Lithuania: Veronika Masalienė, director of the Association of Manufacturers and Importers (GIA) has issued a public reminder that used e-cigarettes, including disposables, must not be thrown in general waste, media reports. They should be disposed of in containers for electronic devices, available in big supermarkets, returned to e-cigarette stores, taken to a hazardous waste company, or delivered to bulk waste collection sites.

Lithuania: The Department of Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control is inviting school pupils in grades 10-12 to enter a competition on the prevention of vaping. Classes are asked to prepare and submit a poster on the theme “You don’t need it” by 16th May, in time for World No Tobacco Day on 31st May.

Lithuania: MP Vytautas Kernagis last week registered Bill 2590, which would prohibit the combining of tobacco and other additives in e-cigarettes and e-liquids. All non-tobacco flavours have been banned in e-cigs since 1st July 2022, however, vaping products are reportedly still being sold with mixtures of tobacco and other flavours, such as fruits, berries or menthol, and this bill seeks to clarify the prohibition on smells and tastes. It would apply to both nicotine and non-nicotine products.

Lithuania: The Consumer Rights Protection Service has imposed fines of €1,600 and €750 on two e-cigarette distributors for failing to specify all the chemical substances contained in their e-cig products.