Belgium has become the first European Union country to ban disposable e-cigarettes, widely popular among young people for their enticing flavors like apple, watermelon, and cola. Starting January 1, the sale of single-use vapes will be prohibited as part of Belgium’s national anti-tobacco plan aimed at safeguarding young people's health.

The EU has set an ambitious goal of achieving a tobacco-free generation by 2040, reducing the smoking population from the current 25% to less than 5%. While some EU nations are looking to expedite this timeline, Belgium has taken an early step by targeting disposable e-cigarettes.

Although vapes are often promoted as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products, their vibrant packaging, appealing flavors, and lack of lingering smoke smell have attracted younger users. Critics warn, however, that these products contain highly addictive nicotine and could serve as a gateway to traditional smoking.

"The problem is that young people start using vapes without always knowing their nicotine content, and nicotine is addictive," said Nora Melard, spokeswoman for the Alliance for a Tobacco-Free Society in Belgium. She added, “Some young users even report waking up at night to take a puff, which is extremely concerning.”

Belgium was quick to act against the growing threat of disposable e-cigarettes, which have been on the market for over five years. In 2021, the Belgian government submitted a proposal to the European Commission to ban single-use vapes. After receiving approval in March 2024, the ban was formalized into law.

France has also secured EU approval for a similar measure. The forthcoming French law will prohibit the production, sale, and free distribution of vapes, with violations incurring fines of up to €100,000.

Health and Environmental Concerns
Health authorities in Belgium and France emphasize the harmful effects of chronic nicotine consumption on adolescent brains, which could increase the likelihood of addiction and encourage the use of other drugs.

Disposable e-cigarettes, particularly favored by users aged 15 to 24, are inexpensive and heavily marketed on social media. At €5–€6, a single-use vape is half the price of a pack of cigarettes, and some can provide up to 9,000 puffs—the equivalent of over 300 cigarettes.

Beyond health risks, opponents of disposable e-cigarettes highlight the ecological damage caused by the products. Belgium argued that the plastic and lithium batteries in single-use vapes are typically discarded within days of purchase, contributing to significant waste. By contrast, rechargeable vapes can last up to six or seven months.

Tobacco shops in Belgium have begun running out of disposable e-cigarettes as restocking is no longer permitted. The ban has sparked mixed reactions among users. "I don't understand why vapes are banned and not tobacco, which is equally dangerous," said young user Ilias Ratbi. However, others, like Yona Bujniak, welcome the move: "There are a lot of young people who start using them without considering the consequences."

As Belgium leads the EU in banning disposable e-cigarettes, the initiative highlights both the health and environmental impacts of these products, signaling a broader shift toward stricter tobacco and nicotine regulations across Europe.