The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) seized nearly 66,000 illegal vapes and e-liquids in January this year. Inspectors found them at 7 different locations in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Almere, and Eindhoven. Sellers receive fines and must also pay the costs for destroying the vapes and other banned products.
In the Netherlands, it is prohibited to sell vapes and refills with any flavor other than tobacco. The NVWA supervises and enforces the so-called flavor ban. In cases of violations, the NVWA can impose fines, which can increase to 22,500 euros for repeat offenses. Since January 2025, the NVWA has had the authority to seize banned vapes and e-liquids. The seized products are destroyed, making the vapes permanently unavailable for sale.
Stubbornness
A shopkeeper in Almere proved to be stubborn. Inspectors seized over 28,000 vapes and bottles of e-liquid with various sweet flavors from his store. They also found 10 kilograms of hemp tops, which the police subsequently seized. The mayor of Almere ordered the shop to be temporarily closed immediately.
The shopkeeper continued to sell illegal vapes. Customers could order them online and have them delivered to a designated location. Together with the police, the NVWA found the basement box from which the sales were taking place. Inspectors seized another nearly 5,400 illegal vapes from there.
Working together
By producing, importing, and selling vapes with sweet flavors, producers, importers, and sellers make banned vapes available that are especially attractive to young people. These vapes are addictive and harmful to health. Through supervision and enforcement at these companies, the NVWA contributes to limiting the availability of tobacco and vapes for young people. In this way, the NVWA supports the goal of the National Prevention Agreement of a smoke-free generation by 2040.
In addition to enforcement, educating young people and their parents is also of great importance to reduce vape use among young people. It is essential to tackle this societal problem together and protect young people from these attractive but highly addictive and harmful products.
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