Dutch vape flavour ban backfires: New report shows rise in youth use, illicit trade, and smoking
April 14, 2026 by brusselstimes.com
Dutch vape flavour ban backfires: New report shows rise in youth use, illicit trade, and smoking
Instituted in 2024 to prevent a 'youth gateway effect', the Dutch ban on non-tobacco flavoured vapour products unintentionally led to a surge in youth vaping and increased cigarette consumption. The ban caused over half of consumers to turn to the black market. Legal adult vaping decreased, with many resorting to illicit channels. Cigarette consumption rose by 1%, and some former vapers returned to or increased smoking. The ban was criticized for pushing consumers towards unregulated and risky sources. The report recommends analysing real-world evidence before enforcing such prohibitive policies. Prohibition Does Not Work advocates for informed decision-making to prevent the growth of illicit markets.
19.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 3.0 million current smokers in Netherlands 22.00% of men are current smokers but only 16.70% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
