Belgium will ban the sale of disposable vaporizers from January 1, 2024, resulting from well being and environmental issues.
Well being Minister Frank Vandenbroucke defined that disposable digital cigarettes, which frequently include nicotine, have develop into a rising risk to well being, particularly amongst youngsters, by making it simpler to develop into addicted.
He additionally highlighted the environmental impression, as these merchandise contribute to plastic waste, harmful chemical compounds and battery air pollution.
Vandenbroucke emphasised that reusable vapes might function a software to assist folks give up smoking, which is why the ban particularly targets disposables.
Belgium is the primary EU nation to implement such a ban, following an analogous transfer by Australia earlier this yr, when Vandenbroucke known as on the European Fee to replace tobacco laws in response.
Whereas the ban is anticipated to have a monetary impression on the vape trade, some shops, together with Brussels Vapotheque, have expressed help, citing alternate options corresponding to refillable pod methods which can be extra environmentally pleasant.
