Ukraine is considering banning the use of all tobacco and other nicotine products by minors.

According to a report, the Ukrainian parliament (Verkhovna Rada) has registered draft law No. 15196 aimed at prohibiting the use of tobacco products, including heated tobacco and shisha, and other nicotine products, including electronic cigarettes, by people under 17 years of age.[1]. The initiative was submitted by Deputy Georgiy Mazurashu, chairman of the subcommittee on physical culture and team sports of the Verkhovna Rada's Committee on Youth and Sports, and proposes amendments to Article 13 of the law "On Measures to Prevent and Reduce the Use of Tobacco Products and Their Harmful Effects on Public Health." The bill has been forwarded to the relevant parliamentary committee for review.

Public health objectives and the fight against illicit trade

Despite the positive assessments in the WHO's 2025 Global Tobacco Control Report regarding the decline in traditional adult smoking, Ukraine is facing the active spread of new tobacco and nicotine products among young people. According to the WHO's Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), 17.6% of Ukrainian adolescents aged 13 to 15 years used all forms of tobacco, including heated tobacco, in the month preceding the survey in 2023, compared to 14.9% in 2017, and 19.6% used vaping in the month preceding the survey in 2023, compared to 18.4% in 2017.[2].

Nearly half of young people (47.3% %) would not encounter difficulties in buying cigarettes despite the age restrictions in force, and the affixing of health warnings, although effective, cannot alone deter the initiation of these products which are otherwise heavily promoted.

Faced with this worrying situation, the proposed legislation would prohibit those under 17 from using a wide range of products, including traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookahs, herbal smoking mixtures, and heated tobacco devices. In Ukraine, the sale of all these products is already prohibited to minors, with penalties for violations. Furthermore, points of sale are regulated, and there are bans on smoking and vaping, as well as restrictions on advertising and promoting these products..

Legislators are seeking to harmonize regulations for new tobacco and nicotine products with those for traditional tobacco, in order to dismantle the myth that new products are "safe." The risks of addiction and health problems are often underestimated among teenagers due to marketing strategies that employ attractive flavors and packaging. The absence of a strong odor also facilitates discreet consumption and helps to normalize the product.

Authorities believe the measure could be relevant because of the existence of parallel markets for vaping products in Europe: a study by Fraunhofer IIS and MRU GmbH estimates that 48% of the European trade in electronic cigarettes is illegal, a large proportion of which comes from China.

A proposed law motivated by the British context

The text also mentions the possibility of strengthening restrictions in the future, drawing inspiration from other countries. Indeed, the author of the proposed law stated that he was particularly inspired by The example of the United Kingdom. The country recently adopted the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which prohibits the sale of all tobacco products to people born on or after January 1st.^er January 2009, and which will become legal from 2027, while also heavily regulating vaping products. The new British law prohibits advertising and sponsorship for e-cigarettes and other nicotine products, their sale to those under 18, including nicotine-free products, their free distribution, and sales via vending machines. Furthermore, the British government is granted broad powers to regulate flavors, packaging, presentation, product display at points of sale, and product characteristics. Ukrainian parliamentarians are considering the possibility of gradually introducing similar measures depending on the effectiveness of the Ukrainian bill.

In July 2025, draft law no. 13548 stipulated a total ban on the production, import, sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes, their refills and associated e-liquids For all Ukrainians, and in April 2026, draft law no. 14 110-d planned to classify nicotine sachets as regular tobacco and regulate them similarly.[4]. These two texts are currently under review and have not yet been adopted.

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[1]Ukrainian Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Vapes, Heated Tobacco Devices and Hookahs for Under-17s, 2Firsts, published on April 28, 2026, accessed the same day

[2]GYTS Global Youth Tobacco Survey fact sheet Ukraine 2023, World Health Organization, published on June 27, 2025, accessed on April 29, 2026

[3]Legislation by Country/Jurisdiction – Ukraine, Tobacco Control Laws, accessed April 28, 2026

[4]Ukrainian Committee Chair Says Nicotine Pouches Should Be Fully Banned for Sale to Minors, 2Firsts, published on April 7, 2026, accessed on April 28, 2026

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