Estonia Tightens Rules on Tobacco and E-Cigarettes for Minors

Estonia’s Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs is proposing new regulations to restrict minors’ access to tobacco and nicotine products. The ministry drafted a bill to address health risks associated with nicotine use and illegal product availability, spurred by a study revealing 57 percent of young respondents favored e-cigarettes due to their flavors.

The proposed law seeks to clarify permitted flavorings in nicotine products, currently a source of legal disputes with manufacturers. It also intends to better enforce a ban on importing nicotine products from abroad, as products from other countries may contain harmful compositions and avoid excise taxes.

The draft legislation would increase fines for both sellers and buyers who provide nicotine to minors and mandates transparency by requiring public disclosure of meetings between authorities and tobacco industry lobbyists. The bill is currently in the coordination phase, with feedback expected within seven working days.