Smoking in Poland
Smoking is allowed in Poland but tobacco products are regualted and restricted. Based on these regulations, a comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising including combustable cigarettes is in place. Health warnings on tobacco packaging are required, the minimum legal age for sales is 18 years, and there are also legal restrictions on smoking in public places. Cigarettes are subject to an excise tax of 27.65%, and a total taxation rate of 78.40%. Regarding availability, cigarettes can legally be sold and purchased online. Sales through vending machines are also permitted, and importing them for trade is legal with appropriate license. Prevalence data show that there were 6.9 million adult current smokers in Poland in 2024. Adult tobacco smoking prevalence was 21.2% in 2024, with notable gender differences: 25.5% of adult men and 17.3% of adult women were current smokers. The current smoking prevalence in 2022 was 23.3%. Daily smoking prevalence among adults was reported to be 24.6% in 2023. Smoking-related mortality is also relatively high in Poland. In 2021, tobacco smoking led to 56,127 deaths, including 41,016 men deaths and 15,111 female deaths. This show that smoking accounted for 10.85% of all deaths in the country in 2021, with a higher rate among men (15.34%) than among women (6.04%).
Read articles from Poland
May 21, 2026 by vejpkollen.se
Poland wants to ban vapes and nicotine pouches must taste like tobacco ”only favours the cigarette trade”
Poland’s proposed restrictions on vaping products and nicotine pouches are drawing criticism from harm reduction advocates and public health commentators across Europe. Concerns focus particularly on plans that could limit flavours to tobacco-only varieties, with critics arguing that such measures may reduce the appeal of lower-risk alternatives for adult smokers attempting to switch away from cigarettes. Researchers and policy analysts continue to debate whether increasingly restrictive nicotine regulation adequately reflects differences in relative risk between combustible and non-combustible products. The controversy highlights broader tensions between precautionary regulation, smoking cessation objectives, and evidence-based tobacco harm reduction policy.
March 18, 2026 by euractiv.com
Polish crackdown on new nicotine products praised by medical experts
Poland’s decision to tighten its tobacco control laws, banning disposable e-cigarettes and restricting nicotine pouches, has been strongly backed by leading medical societies, which warn that the products pose risks to public health. Producers affected by the new rules claim the measures are disproportionate and market-destroying.
March 16, 2026 by polskieradio.pl
Poland moves to ban disposable vapes
Proposed legislation in Poland aims to extend the ban on disposable vapes to all adults, restrict nicotine pouch flavors, and intensify market regulation to combat youth usage. Health officials warn that nicotine-free vapes can be as harmful as nicotine-containing ones, with both popular among young adults. The World Health Organization supports restrictions on appealing flavors to prevent youth uptake. The bill would empower authorities to test e-cigarette products independently and require pharmaceutical approval for new nicotine products. The measures intend to address social harm and prevent youth exposure to harmful substances.
March 12, 2026 by 2firsts.com
Global Forum on Nicotine 2026 to Explore Why Prohibition of Safer Nicotine Products Risks, and Does Not Protect, Public Health
Registration is now open for the 13th annual Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN 2026), taking place from Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 June at The Warsaw Presidential Hotel in Warsaw, Poland. Themed “Prohibition and Public Health”, this year’s event will examine a deep structural contradiction emerging between science and global public health policy.
September 24, 2025 by latestly.com
Polish President Karol Nawrocki Caught Using Nicotine Multiple Times During UNGA Session, Video Goes Viral
Polish President Nawrocki was captured allegedly using illegal snus during the United Nations General Assembly session. He was seen putting a white box in his coat, then consuming the substance throughout the event. This isn't the first time he's been caught with such products, as his use of nicotine pouches has been widely reported by journalists in Poland. The incident has sparked controversy, shedding light on his habit of using such substances. The authenticity of the video has been questioned, highlighting the need for further verification.
September 24, 2025 by slguardian.org
Polish MP Accuses President of Drug Use During UN General Assembly
Polish President Nawrocki sparked debate after appearing to take an item at the UN ceremony, raising concerns over his nicotine pouch use. MP Giertych questioned Nawrocki's actions, hinting at substance abuse. Despite passing a drug test, doubts persist over Nawrocki's behavior, including an incident during a debate. Critics demand closer oversight, while supporters advise against quick judgments based on limited footage, adding complexity to Nawrocki's presidency.
September 24, 2025 by polskieradio.pl
Polish president sparks controversy over snus use at UN summit
The incident involving Polish President Nawrocki placing a nicotine pouch in his mouth was captured during a UN ceremony. Critics highlighted the irony of him opposing health education while using tobacco products. The president had previously withdrawn his son from health classes, causing debate. Education Minister Nowacka stressed the importance of teaching addiction prevention and healthy habits in schools. Poland sees around 67,000 smoking-related deaths annually, equivalent to a medium-sized city population, emphasizing the detrimental impact of tobacco use. This incident raises questions about public health, education, and the president's stance on these issues.
June 04, 2025 by tobaccointelligence.com
TobaccoIntelligence Exclusive for GFN25
Proposed legislation in Poland aims to ban flavoured nicotine pouches and disposable vapes to reduce youth access to nicotine. Similar moves in France and potential restrictions in Luxembourg, Ireland, and Spain indicate a trend towards stricter regulations on such products in Europe. Critics argue that bans could fuel black market sales, while supporters emphasize public health benefits. Sweden, with its harm reduction approach allowing snus sales, contrasts with Poland's stance. The ongoing debate raises questions about the future direction of nicotine policy across European countries.
May 22, 2025 by polskieradio.pl
Polish MPs back full e-cigarette sales ban for minors
Poland passed an amendment to its tobacco control law, gaining wide support. The new legislation bans remote sales, advertising, and minor's access to nicotine-free products. It includes restrictions on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouch sales in specific locations and aligns rules for vaping devices. The bill now awaits Senate review. An additional package may ban more products, pending EU approval.
May 22, 2025 by tvpworld.com
Poland’s parliament approves ban on selling vapes to minors
Poland’s lower house of parliament has approved a bill banning the sale of all types of vapes to minors, including disposable and reusable e-cigarettes, regardless of nicotine content. The bill, which received strong support with 417 votes in favor, now moves to the Senate and, if approved, will go to the president for signing. This ban is part of wider reforms to Poland’s tobacco and vaping laws, aiming to better protect young people from nicotine addiction and related health risks, as previous legislation did not address newer nicotine products.
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