Main Policies
The law allows the sale of e-cigarettes, subject to a number of restrictions including location-based sales restrictions and a ban on vending machine sales.
The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in places where smoking is prohibited, which includes educational facilities and most means of public transport (not including commercial watercraft). As with smoking, the use of e-cigarettes is allowed in designated areas in select places including, but not limited to, healthcare facilities, cultural facilities, sports facilities, shops and consumer services facilities, catering facilities (except those selling tobacco), government facilities, and public transport facilities.
The law bans most forms of advertising of e-liquid, except advertisements placed on manufacturers’ and importers’ websites. In addition, the law prohibits the free distribution of e-cigarettes and e-liquid. However, other forms of advertising, promotion and sponsorship not mentioned here are allowed. Therefore, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.
The law prohibits the retail sale of e-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquids by “self-service methods in other ways in which the buyer has direct access to these products.” The law further specifies that the display of e-cigarette liquids is prohibited in store windows and in/on other retail equipment. However, this does not apply to duty-free shops. As a result of this exception, the regulatory status code “Some Restrictions” is given.
The law bans most forms of advertising of e-liquid, except advertisements placed on manufacturers’ and importers’ websites. For the remaining forms of advertising, the law does not address health claims in advertising; therefore, the law is interpreted as allowing health claims in advertising.
The law prohibits the sale of e-liquid via the internet, but specifically exempts e-cigarette devices (“electronic smoking systems”) from the ban on internet sales.
There is no law addressing flavors in e-cigarettes; therefore, the use of flavors in e-cigarettes is allowed.
There is no law addressing ingredients or additives in e-cigarettes; therefore, there are no restrictions on the use of ingredients or additives in e-cigarettes.
The law lists information that is required on each product package. However, health warnings are not among the list of items that are required.
The law lists information that is required on each product package including product name, company name and location, expiration date, composition and volume of the e-liquid, and other information not listed here. In addition, the packaging must state that sales are prohibited to individuals under 18. These requirements apply to the packaging of both the e-cigarette device and e-liquid.
There is no law addressing nicotine concentration levels in e-cigarettes; therefore, there is no prescribed maximum nicotine concentration.
There is no law addressing device requirements for e-cigarettes.
There is no law addressing manufacturer/importer disclosure and/or notification requirements; therefore, no manufacturer/importer disclosure and/or notification is required.
The retail sale of e-cigarettes is prohibited in a number of locations, including: at trade fairs, auctions, trading places in markets, and commission trade; in specialized stores selling goods for children and adolescents; in sports facilities; and in education, health and cultural institutions. In addition, in stores and pavilions with more than 1,000 square meters of retail space, sales are restricted to special trade departments.
The law prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes via vending machines.