Single-use e-cigarettes and white snus are becoming increasingly popular in Germany. The newspaper MeinBezirk reports. According to tobacconist Michael Sulzbacher, who runs a tobacco shop in Liezen, the smokeless nicotine products are affecting sales of smoking tobacco.
"Cigarette sales have dropped significantly. I notice especially among young people between 18 and 30 that they are turning less and less to traditional cigarettes and instead switching to alternatives like vapes or snus," Sulzbacher explains to the newspaper.
As in all EU countries except Sweden, the sale of traditional snus is prohibited in Germany. However, smoking nearly 17 per cent of Germans, compared to just under 5.5 per cent in Sweden. But in recent years, both white snus, which is not regulated in the EU, and the more readily available disposable e-cigarettes have taken their place alongside cigarettes in convenience stores. Mr Sulzbacher believes that the smoke-free alternatives are attracting many customers to quit smoking.
"Vapes and snus are becoming a practical, perhaps temporary, solution to quit smoking. Customers see these products as less harmful and as a first step towards a smoke-free life. Snus and nicotine pouches are popular because they can be consumed practically and almost invisibly, without the unpleasant smell of cigarettes" he tells the paper.
Flavour bans in nine countries
Germany currently regulates e-cigarettes in the same way as Sweden and most other EU countries. This means registration requirements, age limits and a maximum level of nicotine strength in the e-liquid (20mg/ml). Although the political debate around these products currently revolves around more restrictions, including on flavourings, only nine EU countries regulate these products as strictly as smoking tobacco and cigarettes. The same is true for nicotine pouches.
Belgium recently introduced a ban on disposable models and banned the sale of white snus in 2023. Countries such as Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands have introduced comprehensive flavour bans where only artificial tobacco flavours and menthol are allowed.
Flavours are what attract customers
In Germany, too, there are discussions about restricting the availability of single-use vapes, while various interest groups are pushing to limit the possibility of flavouring the products. However, according to Vejpkollen, this discussion is mostly taking place at the local level at present.
According to tobacconist Michael Sulzbacher, it is precisely the variety of flavours, as well as their availability, that are important to his customers.
"The flavours in vapes - mango, strawberry, peach - appeal to many. These flavours are particularly in demand among younger consumers and are often perceived as less 'scratchy' than cigarette flavours," the tobacconist told MyDistrict.
