Estonia, Health, Legislation, Markets and Companies

"Consumption of e-cigarettes has surged also among minors, and without an analysis it is not possible to ascertain whether the fill-up liquid of an e-cigarette contains nicotine or not. When kids smoke e-cigarettes in public transport and tell an adult who goes to forbid them, that this is not a forbidden activity, then it is clear that clear regulations are needed for the society," said Estonian Health Foundation board chairman Eero Merilind, adding that nicotine is a nerve toxin in any way of consumption and long-term effects of using e-cigarettes are not known.

The Estonian Health Foundation estimates that all sales and consumption restrictions described in the laws for tobacco products would have to be implemented on e-cigarettes, which means, among other things, a sales restriction and consumption restriction for minors and banning the use of e-cigarettes in places where smoking is forbidden.

The Estonian Health Foundation proposed that the nicotine in the fill-up liquid of e-cigarettes should be taxed with tobacco excise tax, which would enable to get extra income for the tense state budget.