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Smoking in Czech Republic

In Czech Republic, smoking is legal but there some restrictions and regulations around tobacco. Under these regulations, the sale and use of cigarettes are legal. Purchasing them online and from vending machines is permitted. Also, importing cigarettes for trade is allowed with an appropriate license. However, health warnings on cigarette packaging are required, the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products is 18 years, and there are legal restrictions on smoking in public places. A total taxation rate of 75.63% including an excise tax rate of 28.27% are applied on cigarettes. Statistics show that in 2024 the Czech Republic had around 2.4 million current adult smokers, corresponding to an adult current smoking prevalence of 26.3%. This indicates a slight reduction from 2022 when the current smoking prevalence was 27.5%. Among adult males, the current smoking prevalence was 30.8%, while among adult females it was 21.9% in 2024. The adult daily smoking prevalence was 18.2% in 2023. Mortality data show that in 2021 tobacco smoking led to 15,764 deaths in the country, including 11,007 among males and 4,757 among females. Overall, smoking accounted for 11.37% of all deaths in the Czech Republic in 2021, including 15.1% of male deaths and 7.24% of female deaths.

Read articles from Czech Republic

October 02, 2026 by parliamentnews.co.uk

Illogical cancer plan will tax all nicotine products the same, while only labelling the carcinogen in your glass

The European Parliament’s public health committee approved a non-binding cancer policy report calling for higher, converging minimum taxes on all tobacco and nicotine products, while favouring labelling and awareness measures for alcohol and ultra-processed foods. Critics, including Czech MEP Tomáš Kubín, argue this approach ignores differing product risks, undermines harm reduction and conflicts with Parliament’s recent cardiovascular policy. They advocate evidence-based regulation, strict protections for minors and differentiated taxes encouraging healthier alternatives. Health economist Franco Sassi also calls for smarter food taxation to reduce cancer risks. The article urges Parliament to correct these perceived inconsistencies during the expected October–November plenary vote.

September 30, 2026 by snusforumet.se

Why are Europe’s cancer organisations targeting nicotine?

Cancer prevention depends on identifying the exposures that drive disease burden. In tobacco use, the principal risk arises from combustion and the resulting toxicants, rather than nicotine itself. Conflating nicotine with smoking can weaken public understanding of relative risk and obscure the potential role of smoke-free alternatives for adults who continue to smoke. Public health communication should distinguish clearly between dependence, exposure and disease causation.

March 23, 2026 by praguedaily.news

Nearly Every Second Inspection Raises Concerns: Violations in the Sale of Alcohol and Tobacco in the Czech Republic Are Increasing

The Czech Trade Inspection Authority conducted over 7,000 inspections in alcohol and tobacco sales last year, revealing violations in almost 46% of cases. Of concern is the significant rise in alcohol sales to minors, with 686 cases recorded. The inspections, often in collaboration with other authorities, identified various shortcomings such as age limit violations and pricing errors. A total of 2,677 fines amounting to 44 million crowns were imposed. The results highlight the necessity for more rigorous enforcement, prompting the Authority to announce increased efforts, especially in preventing sales to minors.

December 04, 2025 by radio.cz

Cotton-candy countdown: new vape rules target rising youth addiction

A new Czech law bans candy-flavored electronic cigarettes, giving stores seven months to sell existing stocks. The law aims to protect youth as over a quarter of young users prefer candy flavors. Experts warn that nicotine in e-cigarettes harms adolescent brain development, leading to addiction and behavioral issues. The ban targets flavors attracting minors, while adult users can still access other options. The move follows concerns that e-cigarettes increase smoking rates, especially among minors. Critics suggest enforcing existing laws against selling any cigarettes to minors. Addiction specialist Adam Kulhánek supports the ban on candy flavors to safeguard children's health.

November 17, 2025 by praguedaily.news

Stricter Rules for E-Cigarettes from December in the Czech Republic

New Czech regulations from December aim to protect young people by banning e-cigarettes with sugar flavors and cannabinoids to reduce addiction potential. Manufacturers must sell off existing stock in seven months. A study by the State Health Institute shows a rise in e-cigarette use, especially among those aged 15-24. Regulations will now require clearer indication of nicotine content on packaging. Additionally, products must have warnings if nicotine-free and cannot contain oils, fats, cannabinoids, or sugar flavors. Information, including a Ministry of Health registration number, must be printed on products directly. The Ministry hopes these measures will deter children from using e-cigarettes.

November 17, 2025 by praguedaily.news

Stricter Rules for E-Cigarettes from December in the Czech Republic

New Czech regulations from December aim to protect young people by banning e-cigarettes with sugar flavors and cannabinoids to reduce addiction potential. Manufacturers must sell off existing stock in seven months. A study by the State Health Institute shows a rise in e-cigarette use, especially among those aged 15-24. Regulations will now require clearer indication of nicotine content on packaging. Additionally, products must have warnings if nicotine-free and cannot contain oils, fats, cannabinoids, or sugar flavors. Information, including a Ministry of Health registration number, must be printed on products directly. The Ministry hopes these measures will deter children from using e-cigarettes.

November 17, 2025 by praguedaily.news

Stricter Rules for E-Cigarettes from December in the Czech Republic

New Czech regulations from December aim to protect young people by banning e-cigarettes with sugar flavors and cannabinoids to reduce addiction potential. Manufacturers must sell off existing stock in seven months. A study by the State Health Institute shows a rise in e-cigarette use, especially among those aged 15-24. Regulations will now require clearer indication of nicotine content on packaging. Additionally, products must have warnings if nicotine-free and cannot contain oils, fats, cannabinoids, or sugar flavors. Information, including a Ministry of Health registration number, must be printed on products directly. The Ministry hopes these measures will deter children from using e-cigarettes.

November 17, 2025 by praguedaily.news

Stricter Rules for E-Cigarettes from December in the Czech Republic

New Czech regulations from December aim to protect young people by banning e-cigarettes with sugar flavors and cannabinoids to reduce addiction potential. Manufacturers must sell off existing stock in seven months. A study by the State Health Institute shows a rise in e-cigarette use, especially among those aged 15-24. Regulations will now require clearer indication of nicotine content on packaging. Additionally, products must have warnings if nicotine-free and cannot contain oils, fats, cannabinoids, or sugar flavors. Information, including a Ministry of Health registration number, must be printed on products directly. The Ministry hopes these measures will deter children from using e-cigarettes.

July 07, 2025 by expats.cz

Flavored vapes under fire: Czechia clamps down on e-cigarettes

The Czech Ministry of Health plans to ban candy-like flavors in e-cigarettes, such as cotton candy, marshmallow, and donut, to curb vaping among children and teens. The new amendment aims to make vaping less attractive to young people. Although e-cigarette sales to minors are already illegal, government data shows that many stores do not enforce age restrictions, with over half of teenagers saying they can easily buy e-cigarette cartridges. The ban will not apply to all flavors.

June 27, 2025 by brnodaily.com

Use of Tobacco and Nicotine Products On The Rise In The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has seen a rise in tobacco and nicotine product use, with 27% using them daily in 2024, up from 23% in 2023. Conventional cigarette smoking is decreasing while e-cigarettes and alternative products are gaining popularity, especially among young people aged 15-24. Smoking-related deaths account for about a fifth of all fatalities, with 16,000-18,000 deaths annually and significant economic costs. Availability and marketing strategies contribute to high usage rates, with smoking shortening life expectancy by 10-14 years. The government is discussing addiction policy coordination in response to the changing trends.