Smoking in Slovakia
In Slovakia, smoking is legal with certain restrictions around tobacco. Cigarette sales are permitted, and it is also legal to buy them online. However, purchasing them from vending machines is not allowed. Importing cigarettes for trade is allowed with a proper import licence. Health warnings on cigarette packaging are mandatory, the minimum legal age for purchasing cigarettes is 18 years, and there are legal restrictions on smoking in public places. A complete ban on all forms of cigarette advertising is in place. Cigarettes are taxed with a total tax rate of 76.69%, including a specific excise tax component of 37.02%. As of 2024, Slovakia had approximately 1.3 million current smokers, representing an adult current smoking prevalence of 27.4%. Among adult males, the current smoking prevalence was 32.3%, and among females, it was 22.8%. In comparison, the overall adult current smoking prevalence was 30.3% in the country in 2022. The adult daily smoking prevalence in 2023 was 23.5%. In terms of mortality, in 2021, an estimated 7,021 deaths in Slovakia were attributed to tobacco smoking, including 5,607 male and 1,414 female deaths. This means that smoking accounted for approximately 9.67% of all deaths in the country—14.98% among males and 4.02% among females.
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October 31, 2026 by vapingpost.com
Europe: Ireland Makes One Last Push for a Compromise Before Lithuania’s Presidency
Ireland has circulated two new compromise texts on EU excise duties after an earlier proposal was withdrawn and rejected by the European Parliament. A vote was postponed until November 9 to allow Sweden, a leading opponent of higher taxes on nicotine pouches, to form a government. Several other member states also have reservations about the proposed rates and their effects.
Sweden’s continuing political deadlock may prevent agreement before Lithuania assumes the EU Council presidency in January 2027. Lithuania has banned most e-cigarette flavours and sharply increased e-liquid taxes, raising concerns among vapers. However, neither tobacco taxation nor vaping is among its declared priorities, so the proposals could remain stalled.