National Council Passes Ban on Discarding Cigarettes on Playgrounds and Prohibition of Disposable E-Cigarettes

Stricter Rules for Nicotine Pouches and E-Cigarettes

In addition, tobacco-free nicotine products will explicitly fall under the Tobacco and Non-Smoker Protection Act (TNRSG). This includes nicotine pouches, nicotine snuff powders, and nicotine toothpicks, among others. They are to be regulated because they are considered potential gateway products for children and adolescents. An advertising ban is also planned for nicotine pouches. Furthermore, packages must contain at least 15 consumption units.

The background to the amendment is the rise in consumption in recent years. Tobacco and nicotine consumption has risen again in recent years. Between 2015 and 2020, their consumption doubled. By 2022, it had jumped to more than triple that figure. Wholesale trade also recorded 7.5-fold growth within ten years. According to the draft, approximately 18.7 percent of boys and 8.3 percent of girls used nicotine pouches in the past month.

Ban on Discarding on Playgrounds: Up to 2,000 Euros in Fines

The draft additionally provides for a new product category for tobacco- and nicotine-free products such as caffeinated snuff powders or CBD and herbal pouches. The consumption of e-cigarettes also carries risks. However, they pose health risks to the lungs, cardiovascular system, blood vessels, immune system, and unborn children.

Alongside the tobacco regulations, a ban on discarding tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and their waste on public playgrounds is being introduced. Severe penalties are planned for littering cigarette butts on playgrounds. In the event of a violation, provided the playground is appropriately marked, the offense will be punishable by fines of up to 500 euros. In the case of repeat offenses, fines of up to 2,000 euros may be imposed.

Further Decisions in the Parliament Marathon

In addition to health and consumer issues, further projects are on the agenda. New school subjects will be decided upon by the National Council. The renewal of advance healthcare directives will also be simplified. Furthermore, various improvements in consumer protection are planned, for example, that a product must not be deliberately planned or designed with a limited lifespan.

The Parliament Marathon from Monday to Friday bundles a series of legislative projects that are to be passed in the coming sitting days. On Tuesday, changes to the nicotine law are planned, among other things. With these decisions, Parliament is responding to rising consumption figures and the particular risk to young people posed by new nicotine products.

The regulations on the disposal ban and packaging sizes will enter into force on the respective key dates of the amendments. This is intended to significantly restrict access to disposable products and high-dose nicotine pouches for young people.