Danish governments have been cracking down on vaping for years. A previous ban on flavours in e-liquids was recently extended to make it illegal to both import and sell disposable vape pens in large quantities. However, this doesn't seem to have deterred many people from obtaining them. Instead, disposables have created a goldmine on the black market.
In 2020, the Danish Parliament voted in favour of a proposal to ban flavours in e-liquids. Although the ban seemingly violated the EU treaty and free trade within the union, it was still implemented in 2022.
In 2024, additional laws were introduced to restrict the market. Private individuals were banned from importing or purchasing more than 10 single-use disposable vials for personal use. According to the Danish Health and Medicines Authority, the ban was intended to target those who try to sell the products illegally.
Easy access to dealers
The Danish newspaper See and Hear has recently investigated the black market and discovered that - despite prohibition - sales are flourishing. The only difference is that the money now goes directly into the pockets of the illegal sellers. The marketing is done relatively openly on social media, and the newspaper quickly made contact with several dealers.
Can sell 300 in one day
A person selling disposable swipes via Instagram and Snapchat tells us See and Hear about his lucrative hobby.
- I'm really busy and I make a really good living from it," he says, wishing to remain anonymous.
The man started selling vape pens a year and a half ago, after seeing friends making big money from the business. Although he has a full-time job on the side, he spends several hours a day on his side business.
- "A lot of people want puff bars, especially on payday weekends when I can sell up to 300 in one day. Normally I sell about 60 a day," he says.
"Denmark exaggerates"
He says his customers range from nurses to 17-year-olds who sometimes come with their parents to buy the products. He sees no ethical issues with selling them, even though it's illegal.
- It's not like I'm selling cocaine or hash. Puff bars are legal in Sweden, where you can buy them at a petrol station. I think we exaggerate in Denmark. If cigarettes were illegal here, I might stop selling puff bars.
More laws and bans on the way
The self-proclaimed drug dealer tells us See and Hearthat he earns up to DKK 50,000 per month from the sale - completely tax-free.
The Danish government is aware of the trade, and the response appears to be even tougher restrictions. Minister of the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde has stated that they will crack down on criminals who illegally import disposable vials.
- This is unacceptable because they contain very high nicotine concentrations and are harmful and addictive," said Løhde.
The Minister plans to present another bill in October to increase the penalties for violating tobacco and nicotine product regulations. This includes significantly increased fines. Authorities have also been given extended powers to seize illegal products and report cases to the police for further action.
