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Tag: Belgium

  • Belgian Health Minister Calls Tobacco Industry ‘Criminal’

    Belgian Health Minister Calls Tobacco Industry ‘Criminal’

    Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke sharply criticized the tobacco industry, describing it as a “criminal” sector with “no future,” as he defended ongoing regulatory efforts despite setbacks from a recent court ruling. Speaking on national television, Vandenbroucke acknowledged that a Constitutional Court decision forced the government to reverse its ban on cigarette sales in supermarkets, undermining part of its strategy to reduce tobacco accessibility. He reiterated support for stricter measures, including a planned ban on flavored vaping products, and warned that such products are contributing to rising youth nicotine use.

    The minister said the ruling complicated efforts to limit tobacco sales points, even as smoking rates have declined in recent years. He emphasized that broader regulatory action, both nationally and at the European level, remains necessary to address changing consumption patterns, including increased vaping among younger age groups, while maintaining pressure on tobacco and nicotine manufacturers.

  • Cigarettes to Return to Belgian Supermarkets in 2027

    Cigarettes to Return to Belgian Supermarkets in 2027

    Belgium will allow supermarkets to resume cigarette sales from January 1, 2027, following a Constitutional Court ruling that struck down the current ban on larger retail outlets. The court found that restricting tobacco sales in shops over 400 square meters while allowing smaller retailers to continue was discriminatory, giving the government until 2027 to revise the law. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has opted not to introduce a replacement ban, meaning tobacco products can return to supermarket shelves, though they must remain out of sight.

    The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with supermarket groups welcoming the change while newsagents criticized the return of competition. The policy shift comes alongside other tobacco control measures, including a planned ban on flavored e-cigarettes from 2028 aimed at reducing youth uptake.

  • Belgium to Ban Flavored Vapes from 2028

    Belgium to Ban Flavored Vapes from 2028

    Belgium announced it will ban flavored e-cigarettes starting September 1, 2028, allowing only tobacco and neutral flavors under a measure approved by the federal government on April 30. The policy, proposed by Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, is aimed at reducing youth vaping by removing flavors, which officials say increase product appeal among teenagers. Government data cited in the decision shows more than one in three individuals aged 15 to 20 have tried e-cigarettes.

    The measure follows recommendations from the Superior Health Council and aligns with similar restrictions implemented in the Netherlands. Authorities said the delayed implementation allows time for EU procedures and for retailers to clear existing inventory. Retail groups, including Perstablo, have opposed the move, warning it could expand the illicit market and negatively impact businesses.

  • Belgium Retail Group Proposes Generational Tobacco Ban

    Belgium Retail Group Proposes Generational Tobacco Ban

    Belgian retail federation Comeos is advocating for a gradual phase-out of tobacco sales to younger generations, proposing a policy that would permanently ban purchases for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. The approach mirrors the UK’s “smoke-free generation” model and could also extend to vaping products, to reduce tobacco use over time as older consumers age out of the market.

    The proposal comes as Belgium prepares to revise its tobacco retail framework after the Constitutional Court struck down a ban on supermarket tobacco sales based on store size. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has since pushed for broader restrictions, including a ban on tobacco sales in all food stores, while allowing sales to continue in specialized outlets such as newsagents.

  • Belgium Nearing 1 Billion Illicit Cigarettes Seized

    Belgium Nearing 1 Billion Illicit Cigarettes Seized

    Belgian authorities have seized 946 million counterfeit cigarettes between January 2020 and November 2025, resulting in an estimated €394 million in lost tax revenues, according to government data. In 2025 alone, customs confiscated nearly 150 million illegal cigarettes and uncovered multiple clandestine production and storage sites across the country, highlighting the scale of the illicit trade.

    Officials say the operations are driven by sophisticated, decentralized criminal networks that spread production and distribution across multiple locations to evade detection. Lawmakers are calling for stronger international cooperation, with Belgium already working alongside Europol and other agencies to disrupt cross-border supply chains.

  • Belgium Health Minister Wants EU to Tighten Vape Regs

    Belgium Health Minister Wants EU to Tighten Vape Regs

    Belgium’s Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke called on the European Union to tighten regulations on vaping, citing rising health risks and accusing the e-cigarette industry of targeting young people. Speaking during a visit by EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath to Sciensano in Brussels, Vandenbroucke urged stricter EU-wide limits on substances in e-cigarettes, a ban on disposable vapes, and restrictions on flavors, mirroring measures already in place in Belgium and the Netherlands.

    McGrath emphasized the scale of the issue and the need for stronger coordination and the use of scientific research across member states. The European Commission is expected to propose updated market surveillance rules later this year.

  • Cimabel Calls for Policy Rethink as Untaxed Tobacco Tops 44% in Belgium

    Cimabel Calls for Policy Rethink as Untaxed Tobacco Tops 44% in Belgium

    Contraband cigarette consumption in Belgium surged in 2025, with illicit and untaxed foreign products accounting for 44.4% of total consumption in Q4, up from 34.9% a year earlier, according to Cigarette Manufacturers of Belgium and Luxembourg (Cimabel). The rise contributed to an estimated €3 billion loss in excise and VAT revenues, while counterfeit cigarettes increased to 4.6% of the market, raising concerns over unregulated production and potential health risks. Most untaxed cigarettes originated from lower-price markets such as Bulgaria, Luxembourg, and Turkey, with urban areas particularly affected by high levels of illicit purchasing.

    Industry representatives attribute the growth in illegal trade to rising tobacco taxes and regulatory pressure, warning that price disparities are pushing consumers toward black market channels. Cimabel has called for a policy rethink, including harmonizing excise rates across the EU, strengthening customs enforcement, and expanding access to reduced-risk nicotine alternatives, as authorities face mounting challenges in balancing fiscal policy with illicit trade control.

  • BAT to Cut 59% of Jobs from Belgium Facility

    BAT to Cut 59% of Jobs from Belgium Facility

    Yesterday morning (January 14) at a special works council meeting, BAT Belgium announced plans to cut up to 51 of its 87 jobs at its Groot-Bijgaarden facility as part of a proposed restructuring driven by mounting regulatory and economic pressures, according to Retail Detail. The company said it has initiated a collective redundancy procedure, with 48 of the 74 roles in its commercial unit and three of 13 positions in other departments potentially affected, subject to consultations with social partners.

    According to BAT, increasing regulation, bans on certain nicotine products, rising excise duties, and the expansion of the illegal tobacco market have led to a sustained erosion of revenue and weighed heavily on business performance. The company said the restructuring aims to create a more efficient and agile organization in response to these challenges.

  • Belgium Releases Numbers for Disposable Vape Crackdown

    Belgium Releases Numbers for Disposable Vape Crackdown

    Belgium’s Federal Public Health Service seized more than 140,000 illegal disposable e-cigarettes in 2025, following a nationwide ban on the sale of disposable vapes that took effect on January 1. Authorities said the seizures reflect a “significant amount” of non-compliant products still circulating on the market.

    Inspectors carried out nearly 2,400 checks across shops, petrol stations, supermarkets, and online retailers, finding illegal vapes in 680 cases. Nearly 600 official reports have been filed, and 18 shops have been temporarily closed. Brussels recorded the highest violation rate, with almost 60% of inspections uncovering illegal sales, while in Flanders, around one in five shops checked was non-compliant. Fines for selling disposable vapes can reach €120,000, though penalties typically range between €800 and €1,000.

  • Belgium to Ban All Flavored Vapes

    Belgium to Ban All Flavored Vapes

    Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced plans to ban all vape flavors except tobacco, following new advice from the Superior Health Council. The move “aims to prevent vaping from becoming a gateway to nicotine addiction among young people.” Vandenbroucke cited the Netherlands, which introduced a similar ban in January 2024, where nearly 30% of users reported vaping less and over 20% quit without returning to cigarettes.

    The Superior Health Council, which had previously hesitated over a full ban, now supports stronger restrictions, arguing that protecting youth must take priority. Cancer charity Kom op tegen Kanker also extended its anti-smoking campaign to vaping, warning of rising use among students. Surveys show almost a third of Belgian students have tried e-cigarettes, with weekly use now four times higher than five years ago.

    Retailers, represented by Perstablo, condemned the proposal as “absurd” and warned it could fuel the illegal market, where flavored vapes continue to circulate despite bans. The group pledged to explore legal challenges, questioning the validity of the measure. Vandenbroucke’s plan follows earlier steps such as banning disposable vapes and restricting smoking in youth-popular areas, though the timeline for implementation remains unclear.