Austria to Ban Flavored Heated Tobacco Products, While Vapes Remain Unaffected
July 12,2025 | View: 2371
— EU Regulations Tighten, Heated Tobacco Restricted, Vaping Products Retain Market Space
In July 2025, the Austrian Parliament passed an amendment to the Tobacco and Non-Smoker Protection Act, banning the addition of flavorings to heated tobacco products. This move is part of Austria’s effort to implement the revised European Union Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), aiming to curb the sale of flavored heated tobacco products that are especially appealing to consumers, particularly young people. According to the regulation, flavored heated tobacco products already produced or placed on the market can be sold until May 31, 2026, after which the ban will come into full effect.
In contrast, this ban explicitly excludes vape products (vaping devices). According to Austrian media outlet 5Min.at’s report on July 10, this distinction stems from a fundamental regulatory difference under EU and Austrian law: vape products do not involve heating tobacco, and therefore are not classified as “smoking tobacco products.” This effectively preserves the current regulatory status of vaping products within Austria.
The new regulation received broad support from major political parties in Austria, including the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), and the New Nicotine Party (NEOS). The Freedom Party and the Greens argued the ban’s scope was insufficient and proposed extending restrictions to disposable vapes and nicotine alternatives, but these motions were not passed. Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig, State Secretary for Health Affairs, stated that further measures to protect non-smokers will be introduced in the autumn.
Regulatory Differences Between Vapes and Heated Tobacco
This policy update once again highlights the regulatory distinctions between heated tobacco products and vaping devices. Heated tobacco contains actual tobacco leaves that are heated to release aerosol, thus classified as “smoking tobacco products” and subject to similar strict regulations as traditional cigarettes—including the flavor ban.
On the other hand, vape devices—especially closed pod systems—use e-liquids and electronic heating mechanisms, without burning or heating tobacco leaves. Therefore, they fall under a different product category and currently enjoy a more lenient regulatory environment in Austria.
Technology Trends and Market Development of Vaping Devices
Amid a global tightening of regulations, the technology landscape for vaping products is becoming clearer.
Currently, closed pod systems combined with nicotine salt formulations have emerged as mainstream. Their pre-filled pods, precise nicotine delivery, improved leak-proof designs, and safe storage features make them better suited to meet regulatory demands for product consistency, user safety, and preventing youth access.
Against this backdrop, some vaping brands are focusing heavily on product safety, supply chain traceability, and innovation. Certain companies continue investing in vape technology development, emphasizing non-combustible, tobacco-free formulations, while improving compliance and user experience standards throughout the supply chain.
SP2S’s product designs have long emphasized a philosophy of “tobacco-free,” “technology-controlled,” and “stable user experience,” striving to offer a cleaner alternative to the market. This approach is gaining positive feedback from both policymakers and end consumers.
This article is based on Austria’s 5Min.at report (July 10, 2025) and other publicly available information. It is intended for industry policy analysis only and does not constitute investment or decision-making advice. Please refer to official Austrian government publications for final policy details.
For more information about vaping devices, please visit our product page to explore further.
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