Greece’s conservative government is preparing legislation that would ban all flavored alternative nicotine products—with the exception of natural tobacco and mint—in a bid to curb underage access to nicotine and alcohol.
The draft bill is currently in its final stage of internal consultation.
The proposed law would remove flavors such as chocolate, watermelon, biscuit, and whiskey from store shelves. If passed, the legislation would mark a major policy shift for a country that has previously resisted tougher regulations on alternative nicotine products.
The move could have significant economic implications. Greece’s vaping and alternative nicotine sector employs an estimated 10,000 people, including around 2,000 specialized retailers. Industry representatives warn that a flavor ban could push the country’s 400,000 vape users toward illicit markets.
The legislation would also expand enforcement authority, allowing government agencies to shutter establishments caught selling nicotine products or alcohol to minors. Violations would no longer be met solely with administrative fines but could carry criminal penalties under the revised legal framework.
Despite support from public health advocates, not all within the Greek government back the flavor ban. Critics—including some within the governing party—argue that the measure risks alienating adult consumers who use flavored products as a tool to quit smoking. They point to countries like the United Kingdom, where flavored vapes remain legal and are often marketed as cessation aids.
The Association of Vaping Product Retailers has expressed concern in a letter to the government, warning that sweeping restrictions could backfire, leading to unregulated sales and increased black-market activity.
While seven EU countries—including Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands—have already enacted flavor bans, legal hurdles remain. A total ban in Greece would likely require approval from the European Commission, a process that could delay implementation for several months.
Meanwhile, the European Union continues to face growing pressure to update its nicotine legislation, particularly as non-combustible nicotine products gain popularity. Member states are split on the issue: some, like Spain and the Netherlands, are pushing for fast regulatory action, while others, including Italy, have voiced concern over the potential economic impact of stricter rules.
In Brussels, political caution may also be slowing progress. Some officials believe the Commission is hesitant to take unpopular steps ahead of upcoming elections and during a time of broader geopolitical uncertainty.
