Health ministry wants stricter norms for sale of e-cigarettes

E-cigarettes sold in the Czech Republic will not be allowed to resemble toys or sweets, or feature pictures of animals or characters appealing to children, under a new decree prepared by the Ministry of Health. Refills should be free of sweeteners and psychoactive substances including cannabis extracts, anabolics or hormones. The changes are part of a broader effort to reduce smoking among the young generation. Surveys indicate that more than 25 percent of young people aged 15 to 24 smoke e-cigarettes, and almost 15 per cent started smoking before the age of 18. This despite the fact that their sale to children is prohibited by law. The decree will have to be confirmed by the European Commission because it would impact the single market.