It seems that the flavor ban on e-cigarettes (vapes) has an effect on their usage. This is evident from an evaluation by the RIVM, which shows that 40 percent of participants indicated a reduction in e-cigarette use due to the ban in 2024. Additionally, 22 percent state that they have actually stopped vaping because of the flavor ban. There are no significant differences between the various groups surveyed.
These are the initial results from research that will be published later this year. The RIVM surveyed over 500 adolescents and young adults and more than 450 adults about their usage. In these groups, daily vaping usage decreased from 29 to 18 percent. Weekly usage decreased from 30 to 14 percent, and monthly usage from 42 to 16 percent.
Unintended Effects
The RIVM also investigated unintended effects of the flavor ban, such as purchasing flavors through the illegal market or switching to other harmful products. Most consumers who stopped due to the ban did not use a substitute.
Source of Illegal Flavors
The main source of illegal flavors turned out to be physical stores in Germany. According to researchers, a EUEuropean Union (European Union)-wide ban on flavors would increase the effectiveness of the ban, as it would make cross-border purchases more difficult.
The RIVM conducted this research on behalf of the Ministry of VWSHealth, Welfare, and Sport (Health, Welfare, and Sport). Recently, the Secretary of State launched an action plan (external link) to protect young people from vaping.