Czech Health Ministry Proposes Stricter Rules for the Sale of E-Cigarettes

The Czech Health Ministry has unveiled draft regulations that would tighten restrictions on e-cigarettes, particularly those that feature images of animals or characters appealing to children.[1]The proposed measures, which must be notified to the European Commission, are in line with the basic principle of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). aimed at ensuring that European legislation achieves the highest level of health protection.

New regulations on vaping products, which are becoming increasingly popular

Under the new rules, e-cigarettes and their refills will no longer be allowed to resemble toys or candy, nor will they display images of animals or characters appealing to minors. Labels with cartoon aesthetics, references to games, or fantasy motifs will also be banned.

The products may also not contain sweeteners, cannabis extracts, psychoactive substances, anabolic steroids or hormones.

This regulation is a direct response to growing concern about the growing popularity of vaping among young Czechs. According to the National Institute of Health (SZÚ), 13.9% of the population used e-cigarettes in 2023, compared to less than 5% in 2020. Nearly one in four people aged 15 to 24 vape regularly, and around 15% of users started before the legal age of 18.

Although originally presented as a safer alternative to tobacco, e-cigarettes are now widely used by people who have never smoked traditional cigarettes. The ministry points out that nearly 20% of current e-cigarette users in the Czech Republic are non-smokers, suggesting that the flavored and brightly packaged devices are particularly attractive to new users.

At the heart of these measures are health concerns

One of the ministry's main concerns is the impact of nicotine on adolescent brain development. Young brains form synapses faster than adults. Therefore, adolescents are more susceptible to addiction. " said the minister. Research suggests that nicotine can alter areas of the brain related to attention and learning, with long-term consequences that extend into adulthood.

The new regulations would also address inconsistencies in labeling. Currently, manufacturers indicate nicotine levels in different units. Some use percentages and others grams per milliliter, which can be misleading for consumers. The ministry wants nicotine content to be consistently indicated on all products to facilitate comparisons and increase transparency.

Another major change would be to expand the list of prohibited ingredients in e-liquid refills and, possibly, set maximum limits for certain additives. While current legislation requires nicotine warnings on packaging containing the substance, the ministry believes all vaping products should carry such warnings, given that nicotine-free refills can be replaced with refills containing nicotine.

The country had already distinguished itself last year by announcing want to ban flavors for vaping products, a measure that should come into force this year. Only 16 specific ingredients will then be able to be used to create tobacco flavors. The Czech Republic thus joins several European countries that have decided to ban all flavors for vaping devices (with the exception of tobacco flavor and/or menthol depending on the country), such as Slovenia, Finland, Hungary, Estonia, the Netherlands and Denmark. In France, the CNCT has been calling for a ban on these flavors since the beginning of 2023[2].

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[1]Prague Morning, Czech Health Ministry Proposes Stricter Rules for E-Cigarette Sales, published June 7, 2025, accessed June 10, 2025

[2]National Committee against Smoking, CNCT calls for banning flavourings from all nicotine products, published February 13, 2023, accessed June 10, 2025

National Committee Against Smoking |