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Tag: Netherlands

  • Dutch Study Finds Fewer People Seeing GPs to Stop Smoking

    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.

  • Drew Estate Tabs New Dutch Distributor

    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.

  • Dutch Hospitals Tracking ER Nicotine Cases Today

    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.

  • Netherlands Increases Fines for Illegal Vape and Cigarette Sales

    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

  • Tobacco Tax Hikes No Longer Boosting Revenue, Says Dutch Officials

    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.

  • Dutch Schools Sound Alarm Over Dangerous Rise in Illegal THC Vapes

    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.

  • Dutch Watchdog Puts Snapchat in Crosshairs for Online Vape Sales

    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.

  • Dutch Treasury Loses €2.6 Billion as Smokers Buy Abroad

    Dutch Treasury Loses €2.6 Billion as Smokers Buy Abroad

    The Netherlands is losing an estimated €2.6 billion in annual tax revenue as more smokers purchase cigarettes and rolling tobacco abroad, according to tobacco industry association VSK. A new study by WSPM found that in 2020 the loss was €1.4 billion, but steep excise duty hikes in 2023 and 2024 have fueled cross-border buying and black-market sales.

    VSK director Jan Hein Sträter said smokers are not quitting but shifting to cheaper alternatives in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, or even social media channels. Researchers estimate that about 40% of cigarettes and nearly 50% of rolling tobacco consumed in the Netherlands are now sourced abroad, compared to 25% just a year earlier.

    The group urged the government to align tax rates with neighboring countries, warning that without action, billions in potential excise revenue will continue to slip away.

  • 1 in 5 Dutch Stores Violated Tobacco Sales Ban

    1 in 5 Dutch Stores Violated Tobacco Sales Ban

    Nearly 21% of supermarkets and convenience stores violated the Netherlands’ tobacco and vape sales ban in its first six months, according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Authority (NVWA). The ban, in effect since July 1, 2024, prohibits the sale of tobacco products in supermarkets, hospitality venues, and online. Smaller stores showed the lowest compliance rates.

    State Secretary Judith Tielen plans to increase fines and give NVWA stronger enforcement powers, including enhanced inspections and product seizures.

    “Every violation is one too many,” said Tielen, who also urged schools and parents to help prevent youth access to vapes. “We will, of course, do what we can to improve, but there are legal challenges and the legislative process takes a very long time.”

  • Dutch Authorities Seize Record Illegal Flavored Vapes

    Dutch Authorities Seize Record Illegal Flavored Vapes

    Dutch product safety authority NVWA and customs officials confiscated 80,000 illegal vapes in a record seizure at a storage facility near Schiphol Airport, marking the country’s largest bust of its kind to date.

    The Chinese-made vapes, flavored with now-banned ingredients like watermelon and kiwi, violate the Netherlands’ 2024 ban on flavored vaping products. The total estimated market value is in the hundreds of thousands of euros, and officials believe the products were intended for domestic distribution.

    This marks the second major seizure from the same importer. In May, authorities intercepted 70,000 vape refills containing similar illegal flavorings. While no fines can be issued because the products were confiscated before reaching consumers, the importer must cover the cost of destroying the vapes, the NVWA confirmed.

    The bust comes amid a broader crackdown led by junior health minister Vincent Karremans, who in May launched an anti-vaping campaign targeting youth vaping, sales of illegal products, and health risks.