The Irish government approves a plan to ban puffs and regulate nicotine pouches

The Government of the Republic of Ireland has approved a bill to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, known as "puffs," and to strengthen the regulation of nicotine products, including nicotine pouches.[1]. This decision comes in the wake of the ban on disposable e-cigarettes that came into effect in Northern Ireland in April 2025, where the sale or distribution of these products can result in a sentence of up to two years imprisonment and a maximum fine of £5,000 (€5,674).

A new bill against puffs, in order to protect young people

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has secured government approval to release the "Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025," which would make the sale of disposable e-cigarettes illegal in the country six months after its enactment.

The products in question are pre-filled and pre-charged, inhalation-activated devices with a short-life battery. They cannot be recharged, refilled, or fitted with a replaceable coil. Compact, colorful, available in a wide variety of flavors, and designed to be discarded after use, they are generally intended for occasional use.

Like other countries, Ireland is facing a sharp increase in vaping, particularly among young people. The Healthy Ireland survey estimates that 17% of Irish people aged 15-24 report vaping daily or occasionally, with boys (20%) reporting this higher than girls (15%).[2].

Professor Marcus Kennedy, president of the Irish Respiratory Society, explains that the flavorings in vape pens lead teenagers to believe they are relatively harmless. Teenagers and young adults are thus drawn to these inexpensive products, readily available on social media, unaware that their vapor contains toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, and that nicotine is highly addictive.

Professor Des Cox, a consultant in pediatric pulmonology at CHI Crumlin, points out that nicotine can contribute to mental health problems in adolescents, such as anxiety, sleep and mood disorders, as well as difficulty concentrating and memory problems. Furthermore, vaping has been shown to be associated with lung problems. Some studies suggest potential cardiovascular consequences.

Professor Kennedy also warns that a teenager who vapes regularly is two to five times more likely to start smoking cigarettes. Nicotine addiction creates a "gateway effect" between products containing nicotine.

Additional measures regulating, in particular, nicotine sachets

The government also plans to ban the sale of other nicotine-containing products, such as nicotine pouches, to people under 18. Healthy Ireland's 2025 survey estimates that 3% of Irish 15-24 year olds use them.[3].

Concerns have been raised about the health risks associated with these products, with teachers reporting their increasing use among schoolchildren.

Advertising for these products will be banned in retail outlets, near schools, on public transport and at events for children, and general retailers will no longer be allowed to display them visibly.

These measures will be incorporated into the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill, which will also regulate the packaging, presentation, flavorings, and shelf placement of nicotine-containing products. The regulatory framework will be designed to apply to both existing products and those likely to be marketed in the future.

The ministry stated that these new rules aim to reduce access to and the appeal of nicotine products for young people and to prevent the development of addictive behaviors. It considers these measures an important step in reducing nicotine use among minors, given the constantly evolving nicotine market. Authorities indicate their intention to implement these changes as quickly as possible.

Several EU member states, including Belgium, France and the Netherlands have already banned nicotine bags, while others are considering similar restrictions.

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[1]BBC, Irish government approves plans to ban disposable vapes, Published on November 19, 2025, accessed on November 20, 2025

[2]Rosalind Skillen, The Vaping Epidemic Facing Young People, Irish Farmers Journal, published November 19, 2025, accessed November 20, 2025

[3]Shauna Bowers, Ban on nicotine pouches under consideration amid use by youngsters, The Irish Times, published on November 7, 2025, accessed on November 20, 2025

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