Ireland’s Proposed Disposable Vape and Flavour Ban

In September 2024, Ireland’s Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, received Cabinet approval to draft amendments to the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023. The proposal introduces a ban on disposable vapes and restricts flavours to tobacco only, while also setting out tighter rules on packaging, advertising, and product design to limit youth appeal and address environmental concerns.

Key Provisions of the General Scheme

According to the General Scheme of a Public Health (Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2024, the framework outlines several key measures:

• Single-use Vapes: The scheme prohibits the manufacture, import, and retail sale of disposable vapes, regardless of nicotine content. Devices that cannot be refilled or recharged are defined as single-use products.

• Flavour Restriction: E-cigarette products may only use flavour names listed in the official schedule, which currently contains only “Tobacco.” Variant names or descriptors suggesting additional flavours or sensory effects are not permitted.

• Packaging and Advertising: The scheme introduces strict rules on product presentation. Devices, refill containers, and retail packaging must use standardised plain colours and cannot feature imagery such as cartoons, animations, or decorative elements. Retail display and in-store advertising are also tightly restricted to minimise youth appeal and visibility.

Legislative Process and Drafting Status

The legislation has not yet been formally drafted. Before coming into force, it must pass through the Dáil (lower house), the Seanad (upper house), and be signed by the President. The draft is currently being prepared by the Office of the Attorney General. While the disposable ban is strongly supported across parties and likely to be enacted in 2025, the flavour restriction remains more uncertain and may face further debate.

Implementation and Market Impact

Experience from the UK suggests that a disposable ban is likely to slow overall market growth in the short term while prompting more consumers to move toward open-system devices and bottled e-liquids. Additional provisions under discussion include restrictions on in-store displays, limits on flavour descriptors, and tighter advertising rules outside specialist vape shops. These measures are intended to reduce visibility and consumer appeal.

Click here to view the draft amendment framework

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