EU pushes for unified tobacco tax rules on vapes

Sixteen European Union countries have urged the European Commission to propose updated tobacco tax legislation to cover products like electronic cigarettes, Reuters reported on Monday.

Current EU regulations, last revised in 2011, exclude many modern tobacco alternatives, resulting in inconsistent national policies and market distortions.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Netherlands and supported by nations including Germany, France, and Spain, highlights the need for harmonized rules.

The European Commission has set basic standards for e-cigarettes, such as nicotine limits and mandatory registration, but regulations on their sale and use vary widely across member states.

While France plans to ban disposable vapes over health and environmental concerns, Germany is considering a similar EU-wide ban. Governments are urging the newly formed Commission to address the issue promptly.