The draft law seeks to amend several legislative acts, including the Law of Ukraine “On Measures Aimed at Preventing and Reducing Tobacco Use and Its Harmful Impact on Public Health” and the Law “On State Regulation of Production and Turnover of Ethyl, Cognac and Fruit Alcohols, Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco Products and Fuel.” If adopted, the proposed changes will:
- Remove the relevant products from official registries;
- Prohibit the issuance of licenses;
- Eliminate any state support for the sector;
- Introduce liability for violations.
The core motivation behind the initiative is concern for youth health. According to data from the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, over 70% of young smokers aged 18–29 use electronic smoking devices. Even more alarming, approximately 40% of adolescents aged 13–15 have already tried e-cigarettes, and 19% use them regularly.
The draft law will be primarily reviewed by the Committee on Finance, Tax, and Customs Policy. It will also be considered by the Committees on Public Health, Economic Development, Humanitarian Policy, Freedom of Speech, and Digital Transformation.
Following referral to the relevant committees, the bill is expected to proceed to a phase of public consultations and hearings. Participants will include the Ministry of Health, industry representatives, trade associations, and civil society organizations. Potential stakeholder responses may include:
- Organization of roundtables;
- Submission of alternative proposals, such as limiting the ban to flavored liquids only;
- Appeals to MPs advocating for less restrictive regulations.
Draft Law No. 13548 has received extensive media attention (Ukrainian Media, Babel, UNIAN, Suspilne), which have highlighted not only the potential health benefits, but also the environmental risks associated with the products. Used cartridges and batteries often contain heavy metals and plastics, while illicit liquids may include additives that pose immediate danger to users.
If the bill is supported in committees and passed by the Verkhovna Rada, it could mark a turning point in Ukraine’s tobacco and vaping product regulation, signaling a move toward stricter controls on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
