Estonia: Ban on flavored heated tobacco products does not extend to vaping
In Estonia, new regulations banning flavored heated tobacco products came into force in early 2025. However, this measure, aligned with European Directive 2014/40/EU, does not apply to vaping products, creating a notable distinction between the various alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
Targeted application of the ban
The law, presented by the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs, prohibits the sale of heated tobacco containing flavors other than natural tobacco. This provision is part of a broader strategy to reduce smoking and protect public health, particularly by deterring young users.
Heated tobacco, unlike e-cigarettes, actually heats tobacco and remains subject to EU regulations governing tobacco products. Vaping products, which operate without burning tobacco, are therefore exempt from these specific regulations.
Differentiation between heated tobacco and vaping
Estonian authorities have clarified that vaping devices and flavored e-liquids are not affected by this ban. Although they may contain nicotine, vaping products do not involve the use of tobacco leaves, which fundamentally distinguishes them from heated tobacco devices.
Therefore, flavors such as mint, fruit, and other flavors remain legal for e-liquids sold in Estonia. This distinction could encourage some adult smokers to switch to vaping rather than traditional or heated tobacco.
European context and future challenges
This national measure follows the evolution of the European regulatory framework, where several countries are strengthening their anti-smoking policies while adapting their approach to nicotine alternatives. Estonia's decision not to include vaping in this ban could foreshadow future debates on the recognition of e-cigarettes as harm reduction tools.
Estonian health authorities, however, indicate that they will closely monitor the development of vaping product use to assess their impact on nicotine consumption among young people.
