Monaco National Council Advances Bill to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes

The National Council of Monaco is advancing a legislative measure aimed at banning the sale and distribution of disposable electronic cigarettes. During a session on Thursday, October 17, council members overwhelmingly endorsed a proposal designed to eliminate the manufacture, sale, distribution, and free distribution of these single-use vaping devices. This initiative reflects growing concerns over the health implications and environmental damage associated with these products.

The popularity of disposable e-cigarettes among the youth, who view them as a fashionable item, has particularly alarmed officials. These devices, which provide a nicotine-infused vapour in various flavors, are seen as both a public health issue and an environmental challenge. The proliferation of such products has prompted swift legislative action from Monaco’s policymakers, echoing sentiments expressed during the Think Tank 2024, where the youth voiced apprehensions about the increasing consumption of these products.

Roland Mouflard, the bill's rapporteur, highlighted in the Upper House the adverse effects of disposable e-cigarettes on biodiversity and the lifestyle of Monaco’s younger population. He stressed the alignment of this bill with Monaco’s ongoing efforts against single-use plastics, categorizing disposable e-cigarettes as similar pollutants. The proposed ban, which also coincides with a government-submitted bill on the same issue, underscores a decisive move to protect public health and curtail environmental degradation, reinforcing Monaco’s commitment to sustainability and the well-being of its residents.