Netherlands Plans Raise Nicotine Products Purchase Age To 21

The Dutch ruling coalition has proposed in the latest coalition agreement to raise the minimum purchase age for nicotine containing products from 18 to 21 years old, and to include vapes in the same threshold. This trend echoes the tightening of tobacco control and vape control in many European countries, but tobacco industry groups oppose it.

Quick overview of key points

1. The Dutch ruling coalition agreement proposes to raise the minimum purchase age for nicotine containing products from 18 to 21, including vapes.
2. One of the backgrounds of this plan is the increasing concern in the Netherlands about the rising use of vapes among teenagers.
3. Multiple European countries are simultaneously tightening: Latvia has raised the purchase age for multiple types of nicotine/tobacco alternatives to 20 years old; Ireland plans to gradually raise the age to 21; Finland is considering raising the threshold to 20 years old.
4. Data point: According to a survey conducted by the European Union, the proportion of daily smoking and vape use among the 15-16-year-old population has increased between 2019 and 2024.

According to Euractiv, the Netherlands has announced plans to raise the legal purchase age for nicotine containing products to 21 years old, and the coverage will also include vapes. This idea was included in the coalition agreement reached by the Dutch ruling coalition last month, which proposed in the chapter on “sober policies: drugs, gambling, sex work” to continue promoting the “smoke-free generation” and raising the minimum age for purchasing nicotine containing products to 21 years old.
Currently, like most European countries, vapes can be legally purchased in the Netherlands from the age of 18.
The Netherlands’ move comes at a time when concerns about the issue of vapes among teenagers are heating up domestically. A study commissioned by the Dutch government in 2025 shows that about one in ten 12-year-old children have tried vapes; Among vape users aged 12 to 16, nearly 40% reported experiencing addiction, with one-third using it daily.

The report states that the Netherlands’ plan may take time to materialize, but it is consistent with the trend being pushed forward by other European countries

• Latvia has raised the minimum purchase age for cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, and herbal “smoking alternatives” from 18 to 20 years old. The spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of • • Latvia stated that more time is still needed to collect data and assess its long-term impact on smoking rates and behavior change, and representative data may become clearer by the end of 2026 or 2027.
• Ireland is promoting the concept of a ‘smoke-free generation’ and plans to gradually restrict tobacco sales based on birth year. It also plans to raise the legal purchase age from 18 to 21 years old by February 1, 2028.
• Finland is also considering raising the minimum age for purchasing, importing, and possessing tobacco and nicotine products from 18 to 20 years old, in line with the goal of achieving a smoke-free, nicotine free Finland by 2030.

At the EU level, Euractiv cited relevant surveys indicating an upward trend in the indicators of vapes and smoking among teenagers. At the same time, relevant reports from the World Health Organization also indicate that the prevalence of tobacco use among adolescents in Europe is at a relatively high level globally.

The opposition to the Netherlands’ plan to raise the age limit to 21 is equally strong

The Dutch Association of Cigarettes and Cigarette Tobacco Manufacturers (VSK Tabak) criticized the plan as “ill considered and unwise”, stating that 18 years old is already a legal adult and can undertake various legal actions, but is considered immature and unable to purchase tobacco or other nicotine products, which is “puzzling”.
The association also stated that the current age threshold of 18 has never been formally evaluated and warned that raising the threshold may push up illegal transactions and cross-border purchases. The report also mentioned that neighboring Germany is currently discussing raising tobacco taxes rather than adjusting the minimum age (still 18 years old); Belgium also maintains an 18-year-old purchase threshold, but has banned disposable vapes since January 2025.

Reference: Dutch bid to raise nicotine age to 21 taps into Europe-wide shift | Euractiv

The population of the Netherlands is approximately 17.8 million (estimated in 2023)
Vape advertising and online sales are restricted, and packaging must have health warnings.
Mainly through professional vape stores, a few licensed tobacco stores, and online platforms (age verification required)
Health controversy: Dutch government uses vapes as a smoking cessation tool but remains cautious, emphasizing prevention for minors
At present, there are many vape brands in Germany, and it is unclear which brand stands out in the Netherlands. Also, I don’t know which China vape brand best selling in Netherlands.