Belgium is set to become the first EU country to ban disposable e-cigarettes, popular among young people for their wide variety of flavors like apple, watermelon, and cola. Starting January 1, the sale of single-use vapes will be prohibited as part of Belgium's national anti-tobacco plan aimed at protecting young people's health.

The European Union is working toward a tobacco-free generation by 2040, aiming to reduce the bloc's smoking population from around 25% to less than 5%. Some EU countries are seeking to accelerate this timeline.

While vapes are often marketed as a less harmful alternative to traditional tobacco products, their colorful packaging and enticing flavors appeal to younger users. They also lack the lingering smoke smell of cigarettes. However, critics argue that e-cigarettes, which contain highly addictive nicotine, may act as a gateway to traditional smoking.

"The issue is that young people often use vapes without knowing their nicotine content, and nicotine is addictive," said Nora Melard, spokesperson for Belgium's Alliance for a Tobacco-Free Society. "Some even report waking up at night to vape, which is very concerning," she added.

Belgium has been proactive in addressing the risks posed by disposable vapes, which entered the market over five years ago. In 2021, the federal government proposed a ban to the European Commission, which approved the measure in March 2024. This paved the way for Belgium's national law to take effect. France has also secured EU approval for a similar ban, set to prohibit the production, sale, and free distribution of disposable vapes, with violations carrying a fine of €100,000 ($104,000).

Health authorities in both Belgium and France highlight the risks of chronic nicotine use, especially for adolescents, as it may harm brain development and increase the likelihood of using other drugs. A 2023 EU study found that while most e-cigarette users preferred rechargeable vapes, single-use versions remained highly popular among those aged 15 to 24. These disposable vapes are easy to use, heavily advertised on social media, and inexpensive, costing only five to six euros—half the price of a 20-pack of cigarettes. Some models provide up to 9,000 puffs, equivalent to over 300 cigarettes.

With the impending ban, Brussels tobacco shops are running out of single-use e-cigarettes since restocking is no longer an option. Opinions on the ban vary. Some users, like Ilias Ratbi, question why vapes are being targeted over tobacco, which is also harmful. Others, like Yona Bujniak, support the move, saying it prevents young people from vaping without considering the consequences.

Opponents of disposable vapes also cite their environmental impact. Belgium argued to the EU that the plastic and lithium batteries in single-use vapes are often discarded within five days, creating significant waste. In contrast, rechargeable vapes can last six to seven months.