The Rada proposes to ban smoking and vaping for teenagers under 17 years old

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has registered draft law No. 15196, which provides for increased restrictions on the use of tobacco products among minors. The document was initiated by People’s Deputy Heorhiy Mazurashu.

The legislative initiative proposes to amend Article 13 of the Law of Ukraine “On Measures to Prevent and Reduce the Use of Tobacco Products…”, clearly establishing a ban on the use of tobacco products by persons under the age of 17.

According to the draft, the following are prohibited:

traditional cigarettes;

electronic cigarettes (vapes) and tobacco heating devices (HNB);
hookahs, as well as herbal mixtures for smoking.

The author of the initiative emphasizes the need to strengthen state control due to the rapid spread of nicotine addiction among adolescents. According to the World Health Organization, almost 20% of children aged 13–15 regularly use electronic cigarettes. At the same time, about half of minors say that they can freely purchase excisable products, despite the current age restrictions.

The document has now been submitted to the relevant parliamentary committee for consideration. If it is adopted, Ukraine could significantly move closer to implementing stricter anti-tobacco standards, similar to those already in force in the European Union and the United Kingdom.

It is expected that further discussion of the draft law will take place taking into account the positions of the expert community, the medical community, and representatives of the public sector.