From January 18, 2026, new Polish regulations will ban flavored tobacco heating products, removing them from shop shelves.
New Prohibition on Characteristic Aroma Products
Amendments to the law enacted on February 21, 2025, introduce strict health protection measures. These regulations ban tobacco heating products with any aroma other than tobacco, equating them to traditional cigarettes regarding flavor restrictions.
The ban specifically prohibits products with a perceptibly distinct smell or taste, affecting novel tobacco items where heating releases nicotine and substances for inhalation. The goal is market unification and reducing product appeal.
Broad Definition of Characteristic Aroma
A characteristic aroma is defined as any scent or flavor from additives detectable before or during use. This covers fruit, menthol, herbal, spice, vanilla, and candy-flavored products. All items deviating from natural tobacco aroma face restrictions.
Transition Period for Existing Products
Products legally permitted before the new regulations may remain on sale for up to nine months from January 18, 2026. This grace period allows retailers to clear existing stock of soon-to-be-prohibited items.
From January 18, 2026, the market for tobacco heating products will consist solely of unflavored tobacco. Consumers must adapt to these changes, abandoning aromatized alternatives as part of a state strategy to reduce tobacco consumption.