Spain’s two main political parties have reached a rare agreement to restrict where vapes and nicotine pouches can be sold, in a move aimed at tightening control over access and distribution.
The Popular Party (PP) and Socialist Party (PSOE) backed a non-binding motion in the Joint Congress-Senate Commission for the Study of Addiction Problems, calling for sales of these products to be limited to authorised and controlled channels such as tobacco shops and specialised stores.
The proposal passed with 33 votes in favour, two against and one abstention.
Sales to be limited to controlled outlets
Under the motion, vapes, nicotine pouches and related products would no longer be available through general retail outlets or online platforms without effective age verification.
Instead, sales would be concentrated in environments that comply with age restrictions as well as health, tax and environmental requirements. This would effectively exclude general retailers, bazaars and many online sellers.
The agreement follows what was described as an unusual moment of cooperation between the two parties, with the proposal initially put forward by the Socialist Group and later amended in agreement with the Popular Party.
Focus on youth protection and oversight
The stated aim of the proposal is to strengthen protections for minors and young people, while addressing gaps in how the market is currently regulated.
Although sales are already restricted to adults, the report highlights concerns about how easily adolescents can still access these products.
The motion also places emphasis on improving traceability and oversight, particularly in relation to imported devices that may not meet health or tax standards.
Gap in existing draft law
The move comes as Spain’s anti-tobacco draft law remains under consultation.
That draft includes measures such as banning minors from smoking or vaping and considers financial penalties for parents or guardians, but does not currently include controls on points of sale.
The commission’s proposal is intended to address that gap by focusing directly on where and how these products are sold.
Wider debate on role of smoke-free alternatives
The role of smoke-free alternatives in helping adult smokers quit remains contested, with differing approaches across countries. The report notes that some countries, including the UK and New Zealand, have integrated vapes into public health strategies under strict regulatory conditions.
Supporters of tighter sales channels argue that limiting availability to clearly defined adult-only environments makes it harder for products to become normalised among younger people.
By contrast, broader availability in general retail or online settings is seen as increasing the risk of impulse purchases and reducing effective access controls.
Concerns over illicit market growth
The proposal is also linked to growing concern about the expansion of the illicit vape market across Europe. Recent studies cited in the report highlight the influx of illegal devices, many originating in Asia, that do not comply with EU health or tax regulations.
These products may exceed permitted nicotine levels, carry incorrect labelling or include undeclared components, while largely escaping tax oversight.
France is highlighted as one of the countries most affected, with illicit trade accounting for more than 40 per cent of consumption and significant annual tax losses.
In the Netherlands, a report for the Health Ministry found that a large majority of people who vape use products obtained through unauthorised channels. Authorities there are considering further measures to address the issue, including restrictions on storage.
However, the Dutch Council of State has warned that overly strict approaches could risk pushing more sales into unregulated markets.
Next steps
As a non-binding motion, the proposal does not immediately change the law, but signals political backing for tighter control over how vapes and nicotine pouches are sold.
It also adds to a broader European debate over how best to balance youth protection, market regulation and the role of smoke-free alternatives.
