The government plans to impose hefty fines on illegal sales of electronic cigarettes.
The Dutch government has announced new strict penalties for the sale of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes as part of a national campaign to curb the trade of unregulated tobacco and nicotine products. According to the plan, first-time offenders will face a fine of €2,040, while repeat offenders may face a fine of up to €3,060.
If the violation is committed by an organization with more than 50 employees, the fine will be raised to €4,040, signaling the government's tough stance against large distributors. This move comes amid growing concerns about the spread of illegal electronic cigarettes in small shops, night stores, and online markets across the Netherlands.
Despite the existing ban, many minors are still able to purchase these e-cigarettes "under the table" or online. In the Netherlands, the sale of e-cigarettes to those under 18 is prohibited, and flavored varieties such as watermelon and kiwi have been banned since the beginning of 2024. Interim Health Minister Judith Tielen stated: "My message to illegal sellers is clear: selling e-cigarettes will cost you dearly, even at the first offense."
The new fines are expected to come into effect on July 1, 2026, after approval by both houses of parliament. The government hopes that these strict financial penalties will deter traders from ignoring current laws.
Earlier this year, Dutch authorities seized 80,000 illegal e-cigarettes from a warehouse near Schiphol Airport. The products, coming from China, contained banned flavors and were prepared for sale online. Doctors have long warned about the risks of e-cigarettes, which include lung collapse, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer. Last May, RTL reported that at least five young people in the Netherlands nearly lost their lives due to complications related to vaping.