Top Takeaways:
Bulgaria Advances Comprehensive Vape Ban: The Bulgarian Parliament has approved, in its second reading, a bill proposing a complete ban on the sale, use, and advertising of vaping products, including both nicotine and non-nicotine variants.
Awaiting EU Approval: The enforcement of the ban is contingent upon formal notification and approval from the European Commission, as required under EU regulations.
Part of Broader EU Trend: Bulgaria’s move aligns with a growing trend among EU countries to tighten regulations on vaping products, with Belgium having already implemented a ban on disposable e-cigarettes effective January 1, 2025.
Bulgaria is on the verge of implementing one of the European Union’s most stringent regulations on vaping products. The Bulgarian Parliament has approved, in its second reading, a bill that seeks to ban the sale, use, and advertising of all vaping products, including both nicotine and non-nicotine variants. The legislation also targets energy drinks marketed to minors.
The bill, introduced by Kostadin Angelov of the GERB party on February 7, 2025, received unanimous support during its first reading, passing with a 197-0 vote. Petar Kanev, chair of the Committee on Economic Policy and Innovation, emphasized the extensive deliberations that led to the bill’s current form, according to media reports.
However, the ban’s enforcement is pending formal notification and approval from the European Commission, as mandated by the EU’s Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS). The process includes a standstill period allowing for feedback from the Commission and other member states.
Bulgaria’s initiative mirrors actions taken by other EU countries. Belgium, for instance, became the first EU nation to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes effective January 1, 2025, citing health and environmental concerns. France has also banned disposable vapes, with the legislation taking effect in June 2025.
The proposed Bulgarian ban is part of a broader effort to address public health concerns, particularly among youth. In July 2024, Bulgaria amended the Child Protection Act to prohibit the use of vapes and heated tobacco products by individuals under 18. The current bill aims to further restrict access and reduce the appeal of such products to minors.
As Bulgaria awaits the European Commission’s response, the vaping industry faces uncertainty. Should the ban be approved and enforced, Bulgaria would join a growing list of EU countries implementing strict regulations on vaping products, reflecting a significant shift in the region’s approach to tobacco and nicotine alternatives.
