The consumption of disposable e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches is growing rapidly in Germany. This is according to the German newspaper MeinBezirk. According to tobacco retailer Michael Sulzbacher, who runs a tobacco shop in Liezen, the smokeless nicotine products have a clear effect on sales of smoking tobacco.
"Cigarette sales have dropped significantly. Especially among young people between the ages of 18 and 30, I see a clear tendency to choose alternatives such as e-vapour or snus instead of traditional cigarettes," Sulzbacher explains to the newspaper.
Traditional snus is banned in all EU countries except Sweden and therefore cannot be sold in Germany. However, around 17 per cent of the German population smokes, while in Sweden the proportion is just under 5.5 per cent. In recent years, white snus, which is not yet subject to EU regulation, and readily available disposable e-cigarettes have become a regular feature in kiosks and convenience stores. According to Michael Sulzbacher, these smoke-free alternatives have helped many customers cut down on smoking.
"E-vapour and snus serve as a convenient, perhaps temporary, solution for people who want to quit smoking. Customers perceive 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 used discreetly and without the unpleasant odour of cigarettes," he says.
Flavour bans in nine countries
Germany regulates e-cigarettes in the same way as Denmark and most other EU countries. There are registration requirements, age limits and a maximum nicotine strength of 20 mg/ml in e-liquids. Although several restrictions are discussed in the political debate, such as flavourings, only nine EU countries have introduced rules for e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches that are as strict as those for smoking tobacco.
Belgium recently banned disposable models and banned the sale of white snus by 2023. Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands have already introduced comprehensive flavour bans where only artificial tobacco flavours and menthol are allowed.
Flavours attract customers
Germany is also discussing restricting the availability of disposable e-vapourisers, while various interest groups are working towards tighter regulation of flavourings.
Michael Sulzbacher emphasises that the flavours and easy availability are crucial for many customers.
"The flavours in e-vaporizers - mango, strawberry, peach - appeal to many. These flavours are particularly in demand among younger consumers and are often perceived as milder and more pleasant than the taste of cigarettes," he tells MeinBezirk.
