Prohibiting the sale of Puff Bar and other electronic cigarettes to minors

27.4.2023

Question for written answer  E-001402/2023/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 138
Gianantonio Da Re (ID)

The market for electronic cigarettes and Puff Bar disposable vapes is growing significantly throughout the EU, the Italian market alone being worth EUR 469 million and the number of consumers increasing rapidly, up by 10% between 2021 and 2022.

One of the biggest problems with this type of cigarette is the large proportion of underage smokers, who are doubtless attracted by the variety of tastes and perfumes available, and the often misleading marketing that underplays the harmfulness of these products.

In addition, online sales are not subject to checks and purchasers can easily lie about their age to obtain home deliveries.

In view of this:

• 1.Can the Commission say how it can help Member States to enforce the ban on the sale of these cigarettes to children under the age of 18?
• 2.What measures will it take to ensure that the sale of electronic cigarettes is subject to stricter controls?

Submitted: 27.4.2023