Ban on disposable vapes in Europe: Where does it apply, and what kinds of vapes will you still be able to buy?
- Where are disposable vapes banned? A practical overview of European countries
- Which nicotine products remain available after disposable vape bans?
- EU vape regulations: how the European Union regulates e-cigarettes and disposable vapes
- Why are some countries banning disposable vapes?
- What rules apply to cannabinoid vapes in the EU?
- Are e-cigarettes disappearing in Europe? What current trends show
- FAQ
Warning: If you are not a smoker or nicotine user, do not start. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. This article is intended for adults aged 18 and over.
Where are disposable vapes banned? A practical overview of European countries in a table
The European Union has not yet implemented a uniform ban on disposable e-cigarettes. Therefore, individual countries often decide whether they will be available on the market.
Below you will find an overview of the current situation in Europe as of July 2026.
| Country | Status as of July 2026 | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | Ban in force | The sale of disposable e-cigarettes has been banned since 1 January 2025. |
| Czech Republic | Restrictions | There is no general ban on disposable e-cigarettes. However, Czech rules restrict the appearance, labelling and certain design features of e-cigarettes and e-liquids.
From 1 July 2026, vapes containing any cannabinoids, including CBD, will also be banned. |
| France | Ban in force | A ban on placing disposable e-cigarettes on the market is in force. |
| Bulgaria | Ban approved | Parliament approved a ban on placing disposable e-cigarettes with or without nicotine on the market.
The measure will take effect after the European notification process has been completed. |
| Germany | No general ban | As of July 2026, no general ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes had been introduced. |
| Austria | Ban approved | The European Commission approved Austria’s measure concerning a ban on placing disposable e-cigarettes containing nicotine on the market.
The Austrian proposal also includes nicotine-free versions. |
| Ireland | Ban approved / in preparation | The European Commission approved the Irish measure.
The ban has not yet entered into force. |
| Poland | Legislative process | The Polish government approved a draft law banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes with or without nicotine.
The legislative process has not yet been completed. |
| Denmark | Significant restrictions | Disposable e-cigarettes are not subject to a general ban.
However, only tobacco and menthol flavours are permitted, which significantly limits the range of disposable vapes. |
| Netherlands | Significant restrictions | Disposable e-cigarettes are not subject to a general ban.
Since 1 January 2024, only products with a tobacco flavour have been permitted. |
| Norway | Significant restrictions | There is no general ban on disposable e-cigarettes.
However, strict rules apply to e-cigarettes, including restrictions on nicotine products and permitted flavours. |
| Slovakia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Romania, Sweden, Finland and most other EU countries | No general ban | As of July 2026, no general ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes has been introduced in these countries.
The rules of the TPD Directive apply, along with additional national restrictions in some countries, such as bans on selected flavours or stricter rules for placing products on the market. |
| United Kingdom | Ban in force | Since 1 June 2025, the sale and supply of disposable vapes has been banned, regardless of whether they contain nicotine.
Rechargeable and refillable systems remain permitted. |
Information current as of July 15, 2026
Which nicotine products will remain available after the ban on disposable e-cigarettes?
The ban on disposable e-cigarettes does not mean the end of vaping. In most European countries, rechargeable devices, refill systems, and other alternatives that meet the requirements of European and national legislation will remain legal.
Below is an overview of the categories that are likely to remain available in the coming years.
| Product type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Rechargeable pod systems | The most common alternative to disposable e-cigarettes. The device can be recharged repeatedly, while only the pod is replaced.
In the United Kingdom, these reusable systems remained legal after the ban on disposable vapes. |
| Open refill systems | The user refills the e-liquid separately.
In the European Union, refill bottles must comply with the requirements of the TPD Directive, including a maximum volume of 10 ml and a nicotine concentration of up to 20 mg/ml. |
| Prefilled or empty pods for rechargeable devices | They remain legal in most countries, although available flavours may be restricted in some markets. |
| E-liquids | They remain legal provided they comply with European and national legislation.
Rules on flavours or product labelling may differ between countries. |
| Heat-not-burn products (heated tobacco) | They remain legal in most European countries.
However, the European Union is gradually tightening their regulation, for example in relation to flavours and product labelling. |
| Nicotine pouches | They are not yet subject to harmonised regulation at European Union level.
Rules therefore vary between individual countries, and local legislation should be checked before purchase. For example, France has already banned nicotine pouches and other tobacco-free oral nicotine products. The ban applies to the manufacture, import, placing on the market and sale of these products. |
EU vape regulations: How does the European Union regulate e-cigarettes and disposable vapes?
Current EU vape regulations are based primarily on the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD 2014/40/EU). This directive sets out the technical and safety requirements that all e-cigarettes and refills placed on the market must meet.
Key EU regulations
The following limits are the most important for users:
- the volume of a nicotine refill may not exceed 10 ml,
- disposable e-cigarettes and cartridges may contain no more than 2 ml of e-liquid,
- the maximum nicotine concentration is 20 mg/ml.
Manufacturers must also register their products in the EU-CEG system, include health warnings, and provide a list of ingredients.
European legislation also restricts advertising for e-cigarettes and prohibits certain promotional elements on packaging.
Does the EU ban disposable vapes?
No. The European Union has not yet adopted a blanket ban on disposable e-cigarettes.
However, current legislation allows member states to ban the placing on the market of specific categories of tobacco or related products under certain conditions.
Such a measure must be justified on the grounds of public health protection and is subject to approval by the European Commission pursuant to Article 24(3) of the TPD.
This is precisely the approach taken in recent years by some European countries that have restricted or banned the sale of disposable e-cigarettes.
Regulations are also tightening for other nicotine products
Stricter rules do not apply only to disposable e-cigarettes.
In recent years, the European Union has also tightened regulations for heated tobacco products (heat-not-burn), particularly regarding characteristic flavors (such as menthol or fruit) and product labeling.
In most European countries, these products remain legal. However, further regulatory changes can be expected in this category as well in connection with the upcoming revision of tobacco legislation.
Where is European legislation headed?
In recent years, the European Union has been gradually tightening regulations on nicotine products.
In the spring of 2026, the European Commission published an assessment of existing tobacco legislation and simultaneously launched a public consultation on its revision.
Based on these, it plans to submit a proposal to revise the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and related regulations by the end of 2026.
Key topics of the upcoming revision include new nicotine products, digital marketing, and the growing popularity of these products among minors.
As of mid-2026, however, there is still no Europe-wide ban on disposable e-cigarettes, nor is there a new directive that would implement one.
Why are some countries banning disposable vapes?
Among the most common reasons why some countries ban or restrict disposable vapes are
- protecting minors,
- reducing environmental impact,
- and striving for better control of the nicotine products market.
1. Protection of children and adolescents
The most frequently cited reason is the growing popularity of vaping among young people. The World Health Organization (WHO Europe) notes that e-cigarette use among adolescents remains high.
Similar findings were also reported by the pan-European ESPAD study, which monitors substance use among 16-year-old students.
The European Commission therefore identified new nicotine products and their popularity among minors as one of the main challenges of current regulation in its 2026 assessment of tobacco legislation.
2. The appeal of disposable vapes
The appearance and flavors of disposable e-cigarettes also play a major role.
The SCHEER Scientific Committee, which provides expert opinions to the European Commission, points out that flavors are among the main reasons why young people try e-cigarettes.
At the same time, it states that there is moderate evidence that e-cigarette use among young people may be linked to a later onset of smoking.
It is precisely the restriction of attractive flavors that ranks among the most common measures implemented, for example, by the Netherlands and Denmark.
3. Environmental impact
Another argument is the amount of waste generated by disposable e-cigarettes. Each device contains plastic parts, electronics, and a lithium-ion battery.
A study by the University of Oxford and University College London noted that lithium-ion batteries in disposable vapes can last for more than 450 charging cycles.
Nevertheless, once used up, they are typically thrown away along with the entire device.
European countries are therefore increasingly drawing attention to the unnecessary waste of raw materials, the complexity of recycling, and the risks associated with disposal of batteries.
⚠️ At the same time, some countries are warning about the growing illegal trade in vaping products.
Experience from the Netherlands, for example, shows that a ban alone does not automatically put an end to illegal sales. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) therefore continues to monitor online sales and the distribution of products that do not comply with applicable regulations.
What rules apply in the EU to vapes containing cannabinoids?
The rules for vaping products containing cannabinoids are not uniform across the European Union.
Individual countries may restrict specific substances, their concentration, method of sale, or even a specific product form.
In some countries, the ban applies only to psychoactive cannabinoids, while in others it covers all cannabinoid-containing products, including CBD.
Ban on cannabinoid vapes in the Czech Republic
As of July 1, 2026, it is prohibited in the Czech Republic to market, sell, or otherwise handle vapes, e-liquids, and refills containing any cannabinoids. The measure also applies to CBD, CBG, and CBN.
The key factor is the form of the product—the ban applies to vape products containing cannabinoids, not automatically to all products containing cannabinoids, such as oils or cosmetics.
Is there uniform regulation across the European Union?
No. Unlike the Czech Republic, most EU member states have not yet implemented a blanket ban on disposable vapes, e-liquids, or other vape products containing cannabinoids.
Regulations vary by country and depend on national legislation. While some countries restrict only certain cannabinoids, others are adopting rules for specific types of vape products.
Currently, the European Union has not established uniform rules for cannabinoid vapes.
Are e-cigarettes coming to an end in Europe? What current developments show
No. Although the ban on disposable e-cigarettes is gradually expanding across Europe, it does not yet apply in all countries, and the European Union has not yet adopted uniform regulations. Rules can therefore vary significantly from country to country.
For most users, however, this does not mean the end of vaping. The product offerings are changing—while some countries are restricting or banning disposable vapes, rechargeable devices and other reusable solutions are gaining ground.
If you’re buying vaping products in different European countries, it’s always a good idea to check the current local laws.
While certain cannabinoid vapes may still be available in most EU countries, in the Czech Republic you can no longer legally purchase any vapes, e-liquids, or refills containing cannabinoids.
FAQ
Check out other questions that interest you most regarding this topic.
1. Are disposable CBD vapes banned in the Czech Republic?
Yes. As of July 1, 2026, it is prohibited in the Czech Republic to market, sell, or otherwise handle e-cigarette refills containing any cannabinoids.
This regulation applies not only to psychoactive cannabinoids but also to CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, and other cannabinoids.
2. Is vaping banned in the Czech Republic?
No. In the Czech Republic, vaping as such is not banned. It is still possible to use and sell e-cigarettes and other legal vaping products, provided they comply with applicable laws.
Restrictions mainly concern places where the use of vapes is prohibited, such as schools, healthcare facilities, public transportation stops, or other public indoor spaces.
3. What types of vapes can I buy following the ban on disposable e-cigarettes?
In most countries, you will still be able to purchase rechargeable pod systems, open refill systems, or empty/pre-filled pods for reusable devices.
However, the specific offerings may vary depending on the regulations of individual countries.
An alternative to disposable cannabinoid vapes can also be vaporizer pens, portable or desktop vaporizers designed for vaporizing dry herbs or concentrates.
These devices do not fall into the same category as disposable vapes, and their legal status may differ.
Although their purchase price is typically higher, they are intended for long-term, repeated use and represent a more economical solution than disposable products.
4. Is there an alternative to disposable nicotine-free vapes?
Yes. If you don’t want to use nicotine vapes or e-cigarettes, you can also choose Lio aromatherapy sticks, which contain no nicotine, tobacco, or e-liquid.
Lio sticks work without a battery, electronics, or heating and are designed to be reused.
5. Are disposable vapes banned throughout the European Union?
No. The European Union has not yet adopted a blanket ban on disposable vapes. Rules may therefore vary among individual member states.
6. Are e-liquids also banned following the ban on disposable e-cigarettes?
No. E-liquids themselves remain legal in most European countries, provided they meet the requirements of the TPD and relevant national legislation.
In some countries, however, restrictions may apply—for example, on flavors or the composition of the e-liquids.
7. How might EU vape regulations change in the coming years?
The European Commission is preparing a revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which may bring further changes for e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and other nicotine products.
However, the specific details of the new legislation have not yet been approved, so it is impossible to say with certainty what rules will apply in the future.
Sources:
EUR-Lex
European Commission (Health and Food Safety)
- health.ec.europa.eu/tobacco/product-regulation/electronic-cigarettes_en
- health.ec.europa.eu/publications/electronic-cigarettes_en
- health.ec.europa.eu/publications/commission-delegated-directive-eu-20222100-withdrawal-certain-exemptions-respect-heated-tobacco_en
- health.ec.europa.eu/tobacco/evaluation-legislative-framework-tobacco-control_en
- health.ec.europa.eu/tobacco/product-regulation/implementing-tobacco-products-directive-directive-201440eu/notifications-under-article-243-tobacco-products-directive_en
World Health Organization (WHO Europe)
ESPAD
University of Oxford
NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority)
Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic
e-Collection (the Czech Republic)
Laws for the People (the Czech Republic)
Service Public (France)
- service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/actualites/A18103
- service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/actualites/A18450
Légifrance
Parliament of the Republic of Bulgaria
Federal Ministry for the Environment (Germany)
Polish Government
Danish Health Authority
Government of the Netherlands
The Norwegian Government
The Government of the United Kingdom (GOV.UK)
Author: Patricie Mikolášová
Photo: AI, Canva
“All information provided on this website, as well as information provided through this website, is for educational purposes only. None of the information contained herein is intended to be a substitute for a medical diagnosis and should not be considered medical advice or recommended treatment. This website does not endorse, condones or advocate the licit or illicit use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or the commission of any other illegal activity. For more information, please see our Disclaimer.”