Smoking in Belgium
Smoking is legally allowed in Belgium and tobacco is regulated. Cigarettes can be sold, and smoking is permitted with some restrictions. Cigarettes can be purchased through vending machines, but not online. The importation of cigarettes for trade is permitted. Health warnings are required on cigarette packaging, and there are no legal restrictions on smoking in public places. Cigarettes are subject to an excise tax rate of 22.51% and a total taxation rate of 79.91%. Despite these regulations, smoking remains a daunting public health concern in Belgium. In 2024, there were approximately 2.1 million current adult smokers in the country, representing an adult current smoking prevalence of 21.7%. In comparision, the current prevalence of smoking was 22.9% in 2022 and 21% in 2023. The current smoking prevalence was recorded to be higher among males (24.7%) than females (18.9%) in 2024. In 2023, adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence was 15.1%. In 2021, smoking led to an estimated 12,474 deaths in Belgium, including 9,041 deaths among males and 3,434 among females. These data indicate that, smoking resulted in 11.22% of all deaths in the country, and 16.11% of all male deaths and 6.23% of all female deaths were caused by smoking. These figures show that smoking continues to pose a heavy burden on public health in Belgium.
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October 21, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu
EXCLUSIVE: Belgian Deputy Prime Minister to host public anti-nicotine seminar during COP 11
Belgium's ex-Health Minister Franck Vandenbroucke will lead a seminar on vaping at the WHO conference in November. He criticizes vaping as dangerous and aims to eliminate it globally. Despite strict tobacco controls in Belgium, smoking rates stagnate at 21%, with new bans on nicotine pouches and disposable vapes creating a thriving black market. Vandenbroucke plans to involve ministers worldwide in the seminar, but the public's role remains unclear. Efforts to reduce smoking without new policies have proven ineffective, with reports of ongoing sales of banned products in Belgium.
September 15, 2025 by euroweeklynews.com
Belgium banning smoking and vaping on terraces
Belgium will ban smoking and vaping on public terraces starting January 1, 2027. The measure aims to protect public health by preventing exposure to harmful smoke. The ban will also eliminate smoking rooms in various venues. Despite opposition, the government prioritizes health concerns over personal freedoms. This move aligns with a wider European trend of restricting smoking in public spaces. The country has seen a decline in cigarette use but a rise in e-cigarette usage. Businesses failing to comply with the new rules may face penalties.
August 15, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com
Belgium Extends Plain Packaging to All Tobacco Products from 2026
Belgium will require cigars, cigarillos, cigarette papers, filters, tubes, and all other “herbal products intended for smoking” to adopt standardized green-brown packaging with uniform fonts and health warnings, Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced. Effective June 1, 2026, the measure expands existing (...)
June 25, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com
Belgium Health Minister Urges EU-wide Ban on Vapes
Belgian Health Minister called for a Europe-wide ban on e-cigarettes, aiming to prevent youth nicotine addiction. He also emphasized the need for preventive measures on alcohol and tobacco use during the Luxembourg Health Council meeting. Vandenbroucke highlighted the dangers of flavored e-cigarettes, urging the inclusion of vaping in the EU's anti-cancer efforts.
June 23, 2025 by eunews.it
Belgium urges EU-wide ban on e-cigarettes
Belgium calls for a ban on e-cigarettes in the EU to prevent addiction among youths. Health Minister Vandenbroucke seeks to include vaping in the fight against cancer, emphasizing the dangers of flavored e-cigarettes like apple and raspberry. This proposal aligns with the EU's efforts to combat the tobacco industry by raising taxes on harmful products. The aim is to protect the health of European citizens by discouraging the use of potentially harmful substances.
May 06, 2025 by brusselstimes.com
Belgium launches next 'buddy' campaign to help friends quit smoking together
Belgium's Foundation Against Cancer launches the 'Buddy Deal' campaign for the fourth year, promoting quitting smoking with a friend following concerns about e-cigarette addiction. The initiative led by actor Mathias Vergels aims to combat anxiety and depression caused by smoking. The campaign encourages participants to join online for support, offering distractions and events. E-cigarettes are also targeted, as bans on disposable vapes and displays are implemented. The initiative emphasizes the importance of health-conscious quitting and mental well-being.
April 02, 2025 by euronews.com
Belgium bans display of tobacco products in shops
Belgium has implemented a law banning the display and sale of cigarettes in shops over 400 square meters to reduce visibility and curb impulse purchases. The move is part of a plan to eliminate tobacco use by 2040 under Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke's supervision. Despite not providing guidance, shops are adapting to the display ban. Some, like student Malak Chatouany, doubt its impact on addiction, while others, like smoker Emilie Fayt, support it to prevent youth smoking. A potential next step includes banning smoking in public terraces, pending legislative approval.
March 03, 2025 by gfn.tv
GFN News #139 | BELGIUM BANS DISPOSABLES! | Featuring Alberto Gómez Hernández
Belgium has become the first country in Europe to ban disposable vapes, but will this actually have an impact on youth vaping rates, or will it just reduce access to safer nicotine products for millions of adults who smoke in Belgium? Joining us today is Alberto Gómez Hernández, Policy Manager at the World Vapers' Alliance, to dissect Belgium's vaping crackdown and the impact this could have on adult vapers.
January 30, 2025 by brusselstimes.com
Over 12,000 'illegal' vapes seized in city centre
Over 12,000 illegal e-cigarettes, including banned disposable vapes, were discovered at the Agora Gallery in Brussels by Public Health Ministry inspection services and police. These findings were made during three recent checks under new Tobacco Plan regulations. Products with excessive nicotine levels and smart vapes were seized, with fines up to €8,000 for traffickers. These dangerous products, hidden professionally, pose health risks, especially to minors. Despite prior seizures, illegal items persist, prompting planned future actions for public health protection, according to Public Health Ministry statements.
January 28, 2025 by filtermag.org
Belgium’s Disposable Vapes Ban Could Be First of Many
Belgium banned disposable vapes, citing health concerns and combating tobacco lobby influence. Despite success in decreasing smoking rates, regulations aim to curb potential addiction in youth. The country's stricter vaping laws follow a trend in the EU, with others planning similar measures. Meanwhile, concerns persist about unintended consequences and impact on disadvantaged groups. The EU's Batteries Regulation could further restrict disposable vapes due to their non-compliance. Debate continues on balancing public health goals with harm reduction strategies for smokers transitioning to safer nicotine products.