Germany, Bild: Berlin considers banning electronic cigarettes

Frankfurt (Germany), February 6 (LaPresse) – The German government is reportedly considering a de facto ban on electronic cigarettes by tightening restrictions on permitted ingredients. This was reported by Bild, citing a draft from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for the ‘Fifth Ordinance Amending the Tobacco Products Regulation’. According to the document, promoted by Minister Alois Rainer, there are plans to ban 13 substances used in e-cigarette liquids and refill containers, including menthol. “With this ordinance, these additives, which are considered harmful to health, should be banned in e-cigarettes and refill containers,” reads the draft cited by the newspaper. The measure is based on assessments by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), which has reported health concerns related to the use of these substances. These include basic components of many e-liquids, such as menthol, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin. The legislation would therefore extend the ban to a wide range of ingredients, making all products that do not comply with the new requirements “no longer marketable.” The draft also warns that the measure could lead to economic losses for companies in the sector due to the loss of sales of the products concerned. As this would be an ordinance and not a law, it could be adopted quickly: the relevant ministry can proceed without a vote in the Bundestag, while only the Bundesrat, the Federal Council, would need to give the green light, which according to Bild has already expressed its support for the initiative.