Why Ukraine may ban e-cigarettes in 2025: main reasons, risks, and public response
On July 28, the Verkhovna Rada registered Draft Law No. 13548, which proposes to completely ban the production, import, sale, and circulation of electronic cigarettes, refill containers, and e-liquids throughout Ukraine. This initiative immediately became one of the most high-profile in the fields of public health and youth policy not only because of the strictness of its provisions, but also due to the scale of the problem.
The authors of the bill propose not only to prohibit electronic smoking devices, but also to eliminate any state support for this sector, remove such products from official registries, and introduce clear penalties for violations. Responsibility would apply to all participants in the market from manufacturers and importers to retailers and organizers of illegal distribution.
The main argument is the health of young people. According to official data from the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, more than 70% of daily smokers aged 18-29 regularly use electronic smoking products: 37% use heated tobacco devices, and 36% use e-cigarettes. Among teenagers aged 13-15, 40% have tried such products at least once, and about 20% are current users. Half of respondents aged 15-16 have vaped, and one in five used e-cigarettes within the last 30 days.
“Ukraine is already facing the problem of mass proliferation of e-cigarettes among youth. Enforcement is weak teenagers can easily obtain these devices, even though it is directly prohibited by law,” notes co-author of the bill Yaroslav Yurchyshyn.
E-cigarettes: How the Market Works and Why It’s a Problem
An electronic cigarette is a device that creates an aerosol by heating a liquid. These liquids may contain nicotine (often even in products labeled as “nicotine-free”), as well as a range of other chemical compounds. The main ingredients remain propylene glycol and glycerin, which provide flavor and vapor production. Additional substances include flavorings, colorants, and vitamins.
The problem is that research shows these substances can be toxic and even carcinogenic. For example, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are known carcinogens; diacetyl can cause the so-called “popcorn lung” (obliterative bronchiolitis); and vitamin E (tocopherol) in liquids can lead to severe airway damage.
Real Health Threats: Experience of the US and Worldwide
EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury) is the most widely known case. In 2019, the US reported around 3,000 cases of EVALI, nearly 70 of which were fatal. 15% of patients were under 18 years old. Symptoms included shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, fever, vomiting, and tachycardia. In most cases, the issue involved liquids containing vitamin E acetate.
“Teenagers often do not realize what substances they are inhaling, and even a single use can be fatal,” emphasizes pulmonologist Dr. Maryna Zinchenko.
Lipoid pneumonia is another risk, developing from oils entering the lungs. Obliterative bronchiolitis a disease of the small airways is linked to diacetyl, which is used as a flavoring in e-liquids.
Ecology and the Shadow Market
A separate problem is environmental impact. E-cigarettes and cartridges contain plastic, heavy metals, and batteries. Improper disposal creates environmental hazards, as these materials enter water and soil.
Another challenge is the uncontrolled market. Official bans on sales to minors are not working: according to lawmakers, enforcement is weak and the “black market” is growing even faster than the legal market.
Legal Context: What Is Already Prohibited
Since July 11, 2023, Ukraine has enforced a ban on advertising tobacco products, including e-cigarettes; prohibited sales of flavored cigarettes; and introduced administrative penalties for using e-cigarettes in public places. However, mass use among youth persists.
What Does Draft Law No. 13548 Propose and How Is Society Reacting?
The bill proposes:
- A total ban on the production, import, sale, advertising, and circulation of electronic cigarettes, refill containers, and e-liquids
- Removal of such products from state registries
- The establishment of penalties for violations
- A ban on any state support for the sector
“We must do everything possible so that children do not become victims of aggressive marketing and easy access to dangerous products. Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking, but a direct path to chronic disease and addiction,” stresses co-initiator of the bill Yana Zinkevych.
Is It Realistic to Eradicate E-cigarettes?
A total ban on electronic cigarettes is a radical but systemic step. It can be effective only with real enforcement, strict penalties, and work to curb the shadow market. However, without a comprehensive educational campaign and civil society support, immediate results should not be expected.
For the first time, the Ukrainian parliament is taking such a tough stance: Draft Law No. 13548 is both a mirror for society and a test of our willingness to fight for the health of future generations not just with words, but with action.
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