Lithuanian lawmakers divided over proposed ban on disposable e-cigarettes

Lithuania’s ruling coalition and opposition parties remain at odds over a proposed ban on single-use electronic cigarettes, with social democrats pushing for stricter regulation while liberals warn of unintended consequences, LRT reports.

Saulius Čaplinskas, a social democrat lawmaker, argued that prohibiting disposable e-cigarettes would send a clear message to parents that such products—often marketed to youth—are harmful. “It’s crucial to communicate to society and parents that disposable e-cigarettes are a danger, especially since they target children and young people,” he told LRT Radio. He dismissed claims that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional smoking, calling them “illegal” and harmful to public health.

Opposition liberal MP Andrius Bagdonas countered that a blanket ban would fuel the black market and deprive the state of tax revenue without solving the underlying issue. “Banning sales will only boost illegal trade, meaning we lose tax income—but the problem remains,” he said. He also criticized the proposal for restricting adult access, arguing that “mature individuals should be free to make their own choices.”

Bagdonas instead advocated for education campaigns to discourage parents from buying e-cigarettes for minors, urging schools and families to address the issue through awareness rather than prohibition. “No parent should gift a pack of e-cigarettes for a child’s 14th or 16th birthday,” he said.

Čaplinskas compared the proposed restrictions to Lithuania’s alcohol control policies, citing WHO praise for the country’s regulatory model. “When we tightened alcohol laws—advertising bans, sales limits, and public education—we saw real results. We should follow the same path as Belgium, France, and the UK,” he said.

The proposal was briefly included in this week’s parliamentary agenda but later removed. A similar attempt last October failed after the Seimas Board excluded it from debate. Industry groups, including the Tobacco and Related Products Trade Association, have lobbied against the ban, arguing that e-cigarettes generate excise tax revenue partially allocated to the national defense fund.

Lithuania currently bans advertising for e-cigarettes, refill cartridges, and herbal smoking products, including online price listings and indirect promotions. The devices have surged in popularity among youth due to their varied flavors, colorful packaging, and odorless design.