Poland’s proposed Bill banning the sale of flavoured Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) is a step closer to being made law.
The Polish Senate Health Committee has approved the Bill, which will outlaw HTPs with “characteristic flavours.” This includes all flavours other than tobacco such as fruit, candy, and menthol. The regulation will also introduce mandatory health warnings on all HTP packaging.
HTPs are designed to heat tobacco rather than burn it. This provides a similar experience to smoking but without ‘combustion’. The heating process reduces the levels of harmful chemicals found in smoke and they can be a useful tool for smokers wanting to quit.
EU directive
However, in 2023 the European Union (EU) issued directives to member countries aimed at making THPs less appealing to children. Up to now, 22 EU countries have introduced new laws to put them in line with this guidance, making Poland one of the last.
Announcing the ban, Poland’s Minister of Health Izabela Leszczyna said: “Manufacturers and importers of heated tobacco products will no longer be able to market items with flavours mimicking fruits or sweets. Our goal is to reduce product attractiveness and limit accessibility – economically, physically, and psychologically.”
Poland’s legislation has already been approved by the Sejm (lower house) and the Polish Senate Health Committee is reported to have passed the Bill without any changes. It now requires the green light from the Senate plenary, which is scheduled to begin reviewing it on March 12. This will be followed by Presidential Assent, at which point it will become law.
Marek Kos, Deputy Minister of Health in Poland, said there will be a nine-month transition period for businesses to comply with the new regulations.
According to the drafters of the Bill, data from the European Commission shows that sales of HTPs across the bloc have grown 209 per cent in recent years. However, their market share in the EU tobacco market remains very modest at just 3.33 per cent.
The latest move is part of a sweeping raft of changes to Poland’s tobacco and vape laws. Separate proposed legislation includes a ban on the sale of both disposable and reusable vapes, including those without nicotine, to people under the age of 18.
The ban will be extended to nicotine pouches and refill containers. The use of non-nicotine vapes will also be restricted in public places, putting them in line with nicotine vapes and cigarettes.
“My responsibility is to protect the youngest members of our society,” Minister Leszczyna said. “We are limiting where these products can be used, just as we have done with traditional cigarettes and nicotine-based e-cigarettes.”
Increased taxes on e-liquids
This month Poland raised excise duties on e-liquids by 75 per cent, increasing the rate to PLN 0.96 (€0.21) per milliliter. The increase is part of a phased approach, with further hikes scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
