Dutch investigators from the Fiscale Inlichtingen- en Opsporingsdienst seized 12.5 million illegal cigarettes in three separate operations over the past two weeks, preventing an estimated €4.2 million in lost excise revenue, according to the Ministry of Finance. The first haul, more than 3.5 million cigarettes, was uncovered on Jan. 28 in Rotterdam hidden inside a container of plastic crates, while a second seizure of 6.5 million cigarettes followed a customs check at Rotterdam port, where cartons were concealed within wooden sauna crates. A further 2.5 million cigarettes were found in raids at premises in Vlijmen and a warehouse in Den Bosch, with authorities stating the tobacco was intended for illegal sale in the Netherlands. One suspect has been arrested, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
Tag: Netherlands
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Dutch Looking to Raise Nicotine Age to 21
The Netherlands plans to raise the minimum legal age for purchasing nicotine products, including cigarettes and vapes, from 18 to 21 under a new coalition agreement between D66, VVD and CDA parties, reflecting growing concern over youth nicotine use, Euractiv reported. The proposal follows a 2025 government study showing 10% of Dutch 12-year-olds have tried vaping and nearly 40% of users aged 12–16 report addiction. The move aligns with a broader European trend, with Latvia already raising the age to 20, Ireland planning to increase the minimum to 21 by 2028 through its “smoke-free generation” strategy, and Finland considering similar changes as part of its 2030 nicotine-free target. Industry groups have criticized the Dutch proposal, arguing it restricts legal adults’ choices and could increase illicit trade and cross-border purchases, while public health advocates support the measure as part of efforts to reduce youth nicotine uptake.
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Dutch Insurance to Cover Three Attempts to Quit Smoking per Year
New health insurance guidelines in the Netherlands that took effect January 1 allow smokers to receive reimbursement for up to three quit attempts per year, a move public health advocates say could significantly boost long-term cessation rates. Data show smokers enrolled in support programs are six times more likely to remain smoke-free for a year, with success rates rising to nearly 30% in the most intensive programs. Despite decades of decline, smoking still affects about 18% of the population—rising to 30% among those with lower education levels—and experts note it takes an average of six attempts to quit for good. While stop-smoking courses cost around €400 per attempt, campaigners argue the expense is outweighed by potential healthcare savings, with studies estimating billions in avoided medical costs and tens of thousands of cancer cases prevented if smoking rates fall sharply over the next decade.
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Dutch Study Finds Fewer People Seeing GPs to Stop Smoking
Fewer people in the Netherlands are visiting general practitioners for help quitting smoking since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research by health services institute Nivel. Nivel said smoking rates dropped only slightly—from 21.7% in 2019 to 19% in 2023—while vaping increased during the same period, and that changes in reimbursement cannot explain the decline.
While GP services largely recovered after an initial drop during the pandemic, requests for smoking cessation support did not rebound. Although the study did not provide the exact number, it stated that consultations for quitting smoking in 2023 reached their lowest level since records began in 2014, despite the expansion of insurance coverage for cessation support since 2020. The study also found that patients have been visiting GPs less frequently for education-, work-, and social-related issues since the pandemic.
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Drew Estate Tabs New Dutch Distributor
Drew Estate announced that it appointed Small Batch Traders B.V. as its new distributor in the Netherlands, effective January 1, 2026, as part of its overhaul of international operations. The move follows changes to its global distribution strategy.
“Partnering with Small Batch Traders allows us to expand our presence with a distributor that truly understands the premium segment and shares our commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship,” said David Cruz Tortora, Drew Estate’s GM of International Brand Development.
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Dutch Hospitals Tracking ER Nicotine Cases Today
Today (November 13), hospitals across the Netherlands are recording the number of patients arriving at emergency rooms with medical problems linked to smoking, vaping, and/or snus, in a nationwide effort to measure nicotine’s impact on emergency care, NOS reports. The initiative, led by Dr. Nicole Kraaijvanger of Leiden University Medical Center, aims to provide concrete data on how nicotine use contributes to acute medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and chronic bronchitis.
The results of the study, supported by medical associations and prevention groups, are expected to guide future smoking and vaping policies in the Netherlands.
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Netherlands Increases Fines for Illegal Vape and Cigarette Sales
The outgoing Dutch government plans to sharply increase fines for the illegal sale of vapes and cigarettes starting July 1, 2026, pending parliamentary approval, Dutch News reported today. Under the proposal, first-time offenders will face a €2,040 fine, rising to €3,060 for a second offence. Large companies with over 50 employees could be fined €4,040.
Caretaker Health Minister Judith Tielen said the move sends a strong warning: “Selling illegal vapes will cost you dearly, even for a first offence.” Illegal vape and cigarette sales remain widespread in the Netherlands, particularly online and in small shops, despite bans on sales to minors and flavored vapes
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Tobacco Tax Hikes No Longer Boosting Revenue, Says Dutch Officials
The Dutch government’s tobacco tax hikes have stopped generating extra revenue due to cross-border cigarette purchases and declining smoking rates, according to a Ministry of Finance report. A 5-cent tax increase per pack was once projected to add €7 million annually, but that figure is now revised to zero. “At the current level of tobacco excise, further increases are expected to trigger strong behavioral changes that will fully offset any extra revenue,” the report stated.
Finance officials expect tobacco tax receipts to hold steady at €2.5 billion in both 2025 and 2026, with the current excise duty set at €7.81 per pack and no further hikes planned. Customs data showed that 45% of cigarette packs lacked a Dutch excise stamp last year, up from 15% in 2021, illustrating the scale of cross-border buying. Most were legally purchased abroad, where prices are lower, but over 10% were counterfeit.
Health officials say the hikes are curbing smoking, as the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment estimates 7% of smokers quit after the most recent increase, while 22% cut back.
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Dutch Schools Sound Alarm Over Dangerous Rise in Illegal THC Vapes
Dutch schools are reporting a surge in dangerous incidents linked to illegal THC vapes laced with synthetic drugs, raising alarms among health experts and government officials. The devices, often sold through Snapchat and delivered directly to schools, are marketed as cannabis vapes, but lab tests revealed they almost always contain synthetic cannabinoids, known as “spice,” which can trigger severe side effects such as anxiety, heart palpitations, psychosis, and collapse. These substances have been banned in the Netherlands under the Opium Act since July.
Addiction specialists warn the problem is spreading beyond Amsterdam to Utrecht, Amersfoort, and other regions. Major addiction clinics and the Trimbos Institute confirmed rising reports of students suffering health issues from THC vaping.
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Dutch Watchdog Puts Snapchat in Crosshairs for Online Vape Sales
The Dutch consumer watchdog ACM launched an investigation into Snapchat over the alleged large-scale illegal sale of vapes to minors following requests from anti-smoking group Stichting Rookpreventie and the national product safety authority NVWA. The probe will assess whether Snapchat has breached the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires platforms to curb illegal content and protect users, particularly children.
ACM official Manon Leijten said there was sufficient evidence to warrant the investigation, as many of the vapes advertised on the app are illegal in the Netherlands because they contain child-appealing flavorings. Parent company Snap Inc. said the sale of vapes is banned on Snapchat and that it has taken “reasonable, proportional and effective measures” to prevent such activity. If found in violation, Snapchat could face fines.