Smoking in Latvia
In Latvia, smoking is legal but subject to a comprehensive set of tobacco control regulations. Cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products and may be sold through retail outlets, while online sales and vending machine purchases are not permitted. The importation of cigarettes for trade is allowed with a license. Additionally, health warnings on packaging are mandatory, the legal minimum age for purchase is 18 years, and smoking in public places is subject to legal restrictions. A complete ban on all forms of tobacco advertising including cigarettes is in place. Cigarettes in Latvia are taxed at a total rate of 81.36%, including an excise rate of 49%. Smoking continues to present a notable public health burden in Latvia. In 2024, the number of current smokers was reported to be 431,000, corresponding to an adult (15 years and older) smoking prevalence of 27.5%. In the same year, current smoking prevalence was substantially higher among males (40.9%) than among females (16.3%). This prevalence was 27% in 2022. In 2023, the adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence was reported to be 27.7%, with an estimated 480,480 daily smokers. In 2021, smoking caused 2,735 deaths in Latvia, including 2,200 deaths among males and 535 among females. Overall, smoking comprised 8% of all deaths in the country in 2021, representing 13.73% of male deaths and 2.94% of female deaths. These figures highlight the continuing health impact of cigarette smoking in Latvia.
February 21, 2025 by lsm.lv
Latvian Radio reports on e-cigarette loophole and lobbyists
Latvia implemented a ban on selling e-cigarette liquids and flavored tobacco while allowing under-20s to buy smoking products this year. Some traders are bypassing the ban by selling flavorings separately as food additives. Starting this year, flavored e-cigarettes, except tobacco, are prohibited, yet businesses are finding ways around the law. There are discussions about amending the legislation, but constraints exist due to industry lobbyists' influence on political parties. Officials are hesitant about achieving new restrictions, acknowledging the challenges. Ramona Petraviča from the Latvia First party emphasized the need for realistic expectations regarding the effectiveness of bans on behaviors.
February 05, 2025 by vaping360.com
Latvia Is 9th European Country to Ban Flavored Vapes
The flavor ban applies to both in-person and online sales, including sales from vendors outside the country. The law also limits the number of legal flavorings in tobacco-flavored e-liquids to 16 specific flavoring components, similar to the rule adopted in The Netherlands.
January 03, 2025 by euronews.com
Tobacco sellers in Latvia scramble to find loopholes to circumvent new ban on products and vapes
Latvia will tighten tobacco sales rules starting January 2025, prohibiting sales to those under 20 and restricting nicotine pouch contents. Companies are seeking loopholes, like selling separate vaping components. The Traditional and Smokeless Tobacco Products Association doubts the law's efficacy. The EU aims for a "tobacco-free generation" by 2040, with a 30% tobacco use reduction by 2025. Countries in Europe are implementing measures, such as banning filter cigarettes in the Netherlands and stopping tobacco sales in Belgian supermarkets from 2025. The nicotine pouch industry predicts product shortages due to reduced nicotine content.
December 10, 2024 by lsm.lv
Latvia might introduce stricter rules on vaping in public
The EPSCO calls for extending restrictions to ban tobacco smoke and vaping in public areas including balconies, train platforms, and workplaces in Latvia. Proposed regulations may include banning electronic cigarette use near windows. Despite opposition from the Smokefree Industry Association, the goal is to protect the public from harmful exposure. Discussions on the implementation timeline are ongoing, with monitoring currently conducted by state and municipal police. Suggestions for designated smoke-free areas are also considered. Debate continues on the health risks of passive vaping, with some advocating for stricter regulations to prevent health issues, especially among young people.
October 16, 2023 by tobaccoreporter.com
Latvia to Raise Liquid Tax by 21 Percent Yearly
Latvia will increase excise taxes on e-liquids by an average of 21 percent annually until 2026. The excise tax rates on heated-tobacco products and combustible cigarettes are set to increase by 5 percent and 5.6 percent every year, respectively. Meanwhile, the tax on other “tobacco substitute” products, including nicotine pouches, will rise by 10 percent. Tobacco harm reduction advocates warned that the measure would negatively impact Latvia’s efforts to curb smoking by making safer alternatives less attractive.
May 22, 2023 by bnn-news.com
Latvian residents express great interest for initiative against the ban on e-cigarette flavours
More than 10 000 people have signed the petition called “Free choice for adults! On preservation of e-cigarette aromas” on Manabalss.lv platform, according to Tobacco-free Products Association.
Because the initiative has received the necessary number of votes, it will be submitted to the Saeima for review. The objective of this initiative is to invite the parliament to not ban various flavours of e-cigarettes and instead adopt solution to battle the illegal market and educate society about healthy choices.
Despite the stereotypes held by residents, the e-cigarettes industry is not interested in youngsters using their products.
March 24, 2023 by lsm.lv
Tobacco and e-cigarettes might be subject to higher age limit in Latvia
79 members voted for the amendments and 6 voted against.
In order for the ban to come into force, the amendments to the law in parliament still need to be supported in the third – final – reading.
Tobacco and alternative products are currently available to persons aged 18.