In February, the estimated number of adult vapers in Portugal was 160 000. Not such a small count, given the country’s population, which is between 10-11 million people. In this article, we will briefly analyze the Portuguese vape market.

According to the ECigIntelligence report, the market size in that country was worth 38 million euros in 2018 and grew to 40 million in the following year. Then, however, came the crisis. The first thing we may think of, considering 2019, especially its final months, is the Covid-19 outbreak. It impacted the Portuguese to a lesser extent, however. The major hit came from the west – the United States. In September 2019 there was a peak of a vaping crisis which regarded the EVALI disease associated with vaping, which led to hospitalizations and deaths. As stated in the aforementioned report, the crisis led to a decline in sales of vaping products in Portugal in 2020, consequently lowering the market size to 38 million euros again. Then, last year, its size grew to 45 million and is estimated to reach 51 million in 2023.

Sales channels in the Portuguese vape market

Let us state that the Portuguese market has very strict vaping laws. The online sales of nicotine-containing products are banned there. Consequently, shortfills are popular, and vapers made more than half of their online orders in Spanish Internet shops. Moreover, the Portuguese tax is the highest in Europe when it comes to nicotine e-liquids. Since July it has grown to €0.323/ml. Moreover, 70% of sales in Portugal happen in vape stores, 25% online, and 5% in traditional retail. An average price in the first quarter of 2022, in Portuguese online retailers, was 3,21€ for 10 ml e-liquid.

Additionally, an important fact is that cross-border sales are prohibited in Portugal. Many vapers are not aware of it, due to which they unconsciously transgress, consequently getting fined.

Preferences & prices in the Portuguese vape market

What systems do the Portuguese prefer?

As the report states, the Portuguese prefer open pod systems for vaping the juices, as closed disposables and closed systems are not a good value for money, due to their high price. The document also contains a comparison of open and closed system products, which is 95%:5%, respectively. Among the open ones, 42% are advanced and 58% are basic.

According to The Portugal News, an average salary in the country, in 2021, was, approximately, €1,361. As the ECigIntelligence report states, an average citizen had to work for 3 hours to buy an advanced open system kit, 1,4 hours for a basic open system kit, or 0,3 hours for a 10 ml e-liquid. Meanwhile, the same average prices in Spain and Italy were: 1,9 (Spain) & 1,8 (Italy) hours; 0,8 & 0,7 hours; 0,3 & 0,2 hours.

How did things change since February?

What is essential is the fact that the ECigIntelligence report was published in February 2022. Since then, a few things have changed. Due to this fact, let us post a minor correction.

Over the past months, the population of vapers in Portugal has grown. As mentioned at the very beginning of the article, when the report was prepared, it was around 160 000 with a monthly growth of 1,8%. Right now, the count is 200 000 with an estimated growth varying between 5-10%.

Moreover, the average price of the product, which was 3,21€ in the report, was based on the largest national store chain, which sells some products at lower prices, compared to the ones smaller stores offer. A more accurate assessment of this matter can be done with VAPY products and their 10 ml e-liquids, which cost around 5€ if nicotine-free, or around 7€ for the nicotine-containing version. Let us add, that Chemnovatic products, such as VAPY e-liquids, are present in most of the stores in Portugal.

If you are looking for more information about the Portuguese vape market report, visit ECigIntelligence website. If you want to be up-to-date with e-liquids regulations in various countries, click here. For more information follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. You can also check our offer by clicking here or the banner below or contact us directly at sales@chemnovatic.com. By the way, did you know that we have West European Office? If your company is based in Portugal, Spain, France, Andorra, Monaco, Gibraltar, Africa, South America, or North America (except Canada and the USA), you can contact it directly at weo@chemnovatic.pt. You will find more information about the office below:

CHEMNOVATIC West European Offices

Quinta dos Arcos, Lote 19, Edifício Solmar, Armazéns B, C e D

8365-186 Armação de Pêra, PORTUGAL

weo@chemnovatic.pt | b2b.chemnovatic.pt | tel.: +351 92 806 06 76

The nicotine industry is constantly developing. Nicotine-related products, such as e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches are gathering more and more enthusiasts. They gain recognition, especially among those who try to quit smoking.

Lately, we have provided you with a brief summary of the Portuguese vape market. Today, we will focus on the Czech Republic and nicotine pouches there. Before we skip forward, let’s just add that this product is gaining its ambassadors even among celebrities. As an example, we can mention Slash from Guns’n’Roses, who started to use it in 2009.

What is a nicotine pouch and how everything began?

The definition of a nicotine pouch

Let’s start with the answer to the question – what are nicotine pouches? “Nicotine pouch“ is a term for a bag of cellulose, diluted in nicotine and flavourings, that is later placed between the upper lip and the gum. When placed, nicotine is absorbed into the body through the mucosa.

The definition of snus

Nicotine pouches also happen to be called snus. There, however, is a difference between both terms. Snus is the name for the primary product, that nicpouches have derived from. It is also used orally, but the main difference is the nicotine source. In snus, tobacco leaves are present, whereas in pouches it’s the cellulose, that was diluted in nicotine. If you want to learn more, check out one of our previous articles about 8 facts that you need to know about nicotine pouches.

Snus’ ban and how it influences the smoking rates

Let us state, that in 1992 snus was banned in Europe, with the exception of Sweden. Nowadays, this country has the lowest smoking rate on the whole continent. On the other end, there is Bulgaria with a smoking rate as high as 39% according to the ECig report.

Let us mention, that if you are looking for pure nicotine for sale and/or want to manufacture nicotine pouches, contact us at sales@chemnovatic.com or click the banner below.

Nicotine Pouches in the Czech Republic

Nicotine Pouches markets’ net worth

The Czech Republic is 4th in Europe, regarding the nicotine pouches market value, with 1,2% of adults taking advantage of the product. Let us add that the population in this country is between 10 and 11 million people. Its net worth is estimated at around 73,5 million euros. The first in the ranking is Sweden, with almost 286 million euros and 3,4% of adults of around 10,5 million population using the pouches. Then comes Finland, with 4% of adults, of 5,5 million people, using the nicotine pouches worth over 172 million euros, and the 3rd country is Germany. Only 0,2% of adults, of more than 83 million population, use pouches there, but their market is worth almost 108 million euros.

Sales of nicotine pouches and their availability

Nicotine pouches’ sales channels

According to the report, in the Czech Republic most sales, around 75%, happen through offline channels, such as gas stations and tobacco stores. The report checked 39 such stores into account and 85% claimed they offer nicotine pouches and have 10-20 nicpouch customers on a daily basis. Additionally, among the aforementioned 85% of the stores, 74% sell not only nicotine pouches, but also chewing bags, and 23% sell only nicpouches.

Nicotine pouches’ strength

The average strength of the nicotine pouch is 15 mg, but most, over 40%, of all the products place in the compartment between 6.1 – 12 mg.

Czechs are also keen on stronger nicpouches. The strong category, regarding products containing 12.1 – 18 mg of nicotine, covers 18,3% of the market, and extra strong with more than 18 mg covers 23,1%.

Flavour nicpouch availability in the Czech online stores

45% of shelves of the online stores are occupied by fruity nicotine pouches in 2022. This number grew from 37% in 2021. Next are cooling products with 29% presence, compared to 36% in 2021, and the podium is closed with complex – combined of two or more categories – flavours with 9%, compared to 8% in 2021.

Best selling and most available nicotine pouches’ brands

When it comes to the best-selling brands in the Czech Republic, similarly to the previous year, the market is dominated by Velo products. It is followed by the 2nd Dope and 3rd Snatch. Although Velo is the best-selling brand, it is not the most available one. According to the survey in the report, it places 4th. The first is Kurwa, the second places Aroma King and the third most available nicotine pouches are Lyft’s products.

If you happen to be visiting the Czech country and want to buy a nicotine pouch, the average price on average is 0,42 Euro (10,27 CZK) per gram.

Nicotine pouches brand pricing in the Czech Republic

As mentioned earlier, the average price per gram of the best-selling nicotine pouches in the Czech Republic is 0,42 Euros per gram. However, the best-selling brands place below the average. The closest to this price is Skruf, the cheapest are Extreme and Killa and the most expensive is XQS.

Nicotine pouches and the legal requirements

Nicotine pouches are regulated by law in the Czech Republic. Before entering the market, nicotine pouches manufacturers shall label and notify their products, and make sure they meet the product requirements. All those are detailed in a ministerial decree. It defines nicotine pouches as “a tobacco-free product containing nicotine for oral use that is not covered by a directly applicable EU regulation”.

Tobacco-free nicotine pouches

Keep in mind that if you want a tobacco-free nicotine pouch, you will find such on the market. Additionally, in the Czech Republic, such nicpouches are currently free of excise duty. Tobacco-free nicotine pouches won’t bring you the nicotine kick, but they may serve as a replacement for candies or chewing gums.

Starting nicotine pouches production

If you are into nicpouches production, make sure you check our flavourings dedicated especially to them. In our offer, you will also find essential nicotine pouches ingredients, for example, microcrystalline cellulose.

Summary

To sum up, nicotine pouches are, undoubtedly, a much less harmful alternative comparing to cigarettes, which is resembled by their growing popularity, and the Czech market is a friendly place to grow. It is also very often stated, that pouches help quit or reduce smoking.

The data in the above article come from the TobaccoIntelligence report concerning the nicotine pouches market in the Czech Republic. Additionally, based on a different report from ECigIntelligence, we have prepared an article concerning the vape market in Portugal! If you haven’t checked it yet, don’t waver, click here and learn the details!

Germany is, undoubtedly, one of the leading e-liquid markets in Europe. According to statistics from 2021, there are around 1,5 million vapers in Germany, which stand for 2,1% of its adult population. However, in order for one to vape, vaping products have to get on the market first. This requires e-liquid registration, and there are certain requirements for it.

Before we jump to describing the requirements essential for vaping products registration on the German market, let’s remind some information about the very essential e-liquid regulation.

Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) is a regulation present in each member country of the European Union. It came into force on 20 May 2016.

TPD covers cigarettes, roll-your own tobacco products, pipe tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, smokeless tobacco products, e-cigarettes, refill containers, novel tobacco products, and herbal products for smoking.

Moreover, the Tobacco Product Directive is a wide regulation, that not only concerns the products but also imposes obligations on manufacturers.

According to TPD, vape product manufacturers and importers of electronic cigarettes and e-liquids have to provide the competent authorities of the UE Member States with detailed information on, among others, the list of all components of these products and substances released as a result of using the product.

Another guideline that TPD carries is laboratory tests. It allows excluding from the sale any vape products that carry prohibited substances, such as carcinogens or heavy metals.

The Directive also regulates the matter of TPD-compliant e-liquid packaging, which we have already described in parts – 1st & 2nd. Be sure to check it!

Moreover, TPD does not allow the promotion of e-cigarette products in mass media such as television, radio, or the press.

Keep in mind, however, that the details of the mentioned guidelines are additionally regulated by each EU Member State at a national level. It means, that the requirements regarding packaging or advertising regulations may differ in various countries.

If you want to learn more about TPD, here you will find everything you need to know about Tobacco Products Directive. Keep in mind, that pure nicotine is also subject to TPD, and our PureNic 99+ is one of, if not the purest, on the market. Make sure to check it!

As mentioned earlier, TPD requires producers to carry out laboratory tests. The results of them are then forwarded to Member States authorities, and this is done within the process of TPD registration, which takes place in the EU-CEG system, that has been created to notify e-liquid products.

Aside from nicotine-containing and nicotine-free e-liquids, in Germany, TPD covers also:

• shortfills & longfills
• CBD e-liquids
• e-liquid flavourings

What is important, in Germany nicotine pouches are considered a food product, consequently do not fall under Tobacco Products Directive.

If you are interested in nicotine pouches you can learn what are the reasons behind pouches’ popularity. Also, know that we have every necessary raw material, required in manufacturing, so make sure to check our offer or contact us at sales@chemnovatic.com!

There are no fees when it comes to e-liquids’ registration in Germany, however, taxes are a different matter. Since 1 July 2022, there is an excise tax covering TPD-related products. Although, had the products been manufactured or entered the market before that date, they can be sold without the tax till 13 February 2023.

As for the newer ones, the rate is 0,16 Euro/ml. This stake will last till 31 December 2023. After that, it will grow for a year to 0,20 Euro/ml. Later, in 2025, the excise tax will be 0,26 Euro/ml, and beginning on 1 January 2026 it will grow to 0,32 Euro/ml.

Although it may be common for taxes to differ in various countries, it’s not necessarily the same way with the substances e-liquids contain. Germany has their own, nationally regulated, list of forbidden substances forbidden in e-liquids. As examples, let us mention:

• Amino acids and modified amino acids approved for dietetic foods
• Bitter Almond Oil
• CMR substances
• Glucose (CAS: 50-99-7), fructose (CAS: 57-48-7 ), and galactose (CAS: 59-23-4)
• Ingredients, including processed ingredients, extracts, and oils from coffee and coffee beans
• L-Carnitine (CAS: 541-15-1)

As mentioned above, these are just exemplary, forbidden substances. The list is much longer and may still grow. Additionally, keep in mind, that there are more guidelines to follow when registering products on the German market. In case you need any help, we are there for you. Message us at sales@chemnovatic.com or click the banner below to learn about some e-liquid regulations in other countries.

E-liquid registration may be complicated unless one knows how to do it. Chemnovatic legal experts have learned this matter from scratch, having registered several hundreds of vape products, not only in Europe but also on other continents!

If you wonder what else one can not use in their e-liquids receipts, what elements are necessary on the packaging, or have any other questions regarding TPD registration, contact us at sales@chemnovatic.com. Do not hesitate also, if you need to register your products or consult any other regulatory case! You can also check e-liquid regulations in other countries.

E-liquid regulations are, undoubtedly, a broad topic. Not only it affects the availability of the products – as, i. e., some may be banned due to flavours – but also their entering the market. Before e-liquids appear on the shelves, entrepreneurs have to register them, and it may cost. How much? And what else is there to know about e-liquid regulations? Let’s find out!

Let’s check the first factor which is essential in introducing e-liquids to the European markets – e-juice registration & notification fees. In some countries, to sell a product, one has to pay to register it first and later pay an annual amount of money to maintain it on the market. In others, e-liquids are not subjected to fees and registration is free.

The country with the highest e-liquid registration fee is Luxembourg. To register the product there, one has to pay 5 000 EUR.

Denmark is the second, not so cheap to get into the e-juice market. The price of product registration is calculated per month, based on an annual fee. For example, if one registers a product in July, it’s 7 500 DKK (6x 1 250 DKK). Additionally, to maintain a product, it’s 15 000 DKK, which is a little above 2 000 EUR.

Another country that ranks in the highest European spots is Sweden. The homeland of Swedes introduced some legal changes, which increased the e-liquid fees, beginning on 1 August 2022. Now, either a notification or modification of a product costs 10 500 SEK, which gives around 965 EUR.

Let’s state that there are some countries with not such a linear law concerning fees, and Poland may serve as an example here. The cost of fees depends on the company’s size. For micro and small companies, it’s 1 766,40 PLN (about 375 EUR); for middle-sized companies, it’s 2 944,40 PLN (about 627 EUR); and for the biggest companies, it’s 5 888,80 PLN (about 1 255 EUR). What is more, Poland is also the only country in Europe with such a fee system, and the rate grows each January.

If you are interested in e-liquid fees and registration costs in other countries, contact us at sales@chemnovatic.com or click the banner below to read more about our consultations and regulatory services.

Now let’s jump onto the topic of taxes. The highest excise in the European Union regards the e-liquids sold in Portugal. Lately, it grew by 1%, up to 3,23 EUR / 10 ml.

After Portugal comes Finland, which is mentioned here for the first, but not for the last, time. In this Nordic country, the e-liquid tax is 0,3 EUR/ml.

In other countries, tax rates vary but do not reach the level of the 2 previously mentioned ones. However, similarly to the regulations of e-liquid fees in Poland, there are some non-linear laws in Europe.

In Sweden, the excise tax is based on the e-liquids’ strength. For products with up to 15 mg of nicotine/ml, it’s 2 SEK (around 0,18 EUR). However, for the stronger ones, from 15 to 20 mg/ml, it’s 4 SEK (0,37 EUR).

Another example of a different approach toward taxes is in Latvia. The rate there is 0,01 EUR/ml and 0,005 EUR/nicotine mg, which consequently sums up.

As for e-liquid flavoring bans in the European Union, it’s easier to mention the countries that introduced bans than those which allow flavored e-juices.

The first one is Denmark. The Danes introduced the ban not so long ago, which is why flavored e-liquids that appeared on the shelf before 1 April 2022 can be sold till 31 march 2023. Apart from those, only tobacco and menthol flavors are allowed.

Similarly to Denmark, only tobacco and menthol are allowed in Estonia. However, not so far from there because in Lithuania and Finland, the bans are stricter. Even menthol flavors are restricted, leaving only tobacco allowed.

Let’s also state that there is a country in Europe with an unusual regulation, and it’s Austria. Flavored e-liquids are allowed there, however, the products’ names can not contain the food names, ex. watermelon.

If you want to know what other countries have implemented the flavour ban, make sure to check e-liquid regulations. Moreover, if you are interested in our Chemnovatic Flavours line, you can check them by clicking the banner below. Choose from among: sweet, tobacco, fruit, drink, and mint flavourings!

E-liquid taxes and fees are, undoubtedly, a hard nut to crack for entrepreneurs, especially for those who make their first steps in the e-liquid market. Additionally, impacting the final e-liquid price, many customers decide to order the products from abroad, which, in many cases, is not legal.

The countries with restricted e-liquid cross-border sales are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Spain, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Italy.

Although ordering e-liquids from abroad is allowed in Denmark, one has to notify it first.

In recent years, the trend concerning CBD products in the e-liquid market couldn’t go unnoticed. Due to that, let’s also take a look at CBD regulations regarding e-liquids.

Let’s start with the countries where CBD products, both nicotine-containing or nicotine-free, are forbidden. Here, there are The Czech Republic, The Netherlands, Spain, Lithuania, Portugal, and Sweden.

Now, let’s see which countries are less restrictive. CBD present in nicotine-containing e-liquids is also forbidden in Austria or Belgium. The reason behind that is that it may suggest health benefits. However, in these countries, the substance is allowed in nicotine-free products. In Austria, before launching such products on the market, one has to make a registration, and the information about CBD has to be present on the label. As for Belgium, CBD in nicotine-free products is tolerated, but the authorities plan to make them perceived as medical products.

In this place, we can also mention the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. In both countries, CBD is forbidden in nicotine-containing e-liquids but is allowed in nicotine-free ones. In that case, the products don’t have to be notified or registered.

When it comes to medical products, CBD-containing e-liquids are allowed in Cyprus. However, to have such a product fully legal, one has to register it first and obtain acceptance from relevant authorities.

Let’s also state that CBD may fall under drug laws. Such a situation takes place, for example, in Finland and Slovenia.

Above, we mainly focused on countries where CBD and nicotine-containing e-liquids are restricted, but let’s not forget about those where it’s allowed. In this group, there is France, where such products are legal, but can not be advertised as therapeutical. Additionally, there is Estonia, where one sells CBD e-liquids, but has to notify and register them first.

Keep, in mind, that to develop nicotine-containing e-liquids, one shall use the best quality raw materials. One of them is, undoubtedly, our pure nicotine liquid – PureNic 99+! It’s considered to be one of, if not the, purest nicotine liquids on the market. Be sure to check it!

The e-liquids market is constantly evolving, introducing new restrictions, bans, or increasing taxes. However, the net worth of the market is also getting bigger. That’s why many entrepreneurs decide to start their businesses in this sector.

To do so, it’s a good move to learn the laws and regulations first. We can help you with that! Just make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow our blog. Moreover, visit this site to read more about e-liquid regulations. We hope this text helped you find the information you were looking for!

In the last days of November, the Dutch authorities published an amendment that clearly stated – flavoured e-liquids will be banned in the Netherlands. Thus, it will become another country where such restrictions will come to life.

Up to that point, the e-liquid flavourings ban was a thing to expect, as back in 2020, the authorities announced they were planning to ban flavoured e-cigarettes and vapes. The grapevine had it that it would come to life in 2023. Since 28 November, the exact date is known. The ban will come to life starting 1 October 2023.

The ban applies to vape juices, pre-filled pods, and disposables. Additionally, no matter if e-liquids are nicotine-containing or nicotine-free. Both are banned.

The main part of the new legislation is that starting on 1 October 2023, sales of e-liquids flavored e-liquids and e-cigarettes with fruity, sweet, drink, mint, and more aromas will not be legal.

However, there will be an exception. Tobacco e-liquids will remain allowed if one condition is met. They can contain only 16 allowed substances:

• beta-Damascone
• (E)-beta-Damascone
• (Z)-beta-Damascone
• Damascenone
• (E)-beta-Damascenone
• Ketoisophorone
• 2-Hydroxy-3,5,5- trimethyl-2- cyclohexenone
• 3-Ethylpyridine

• 3-Acetylpyridine
• 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol
• 5-(Hydroxymethyl)- 2-furfural
• alpha-Angelica lactone
• Isovaleric acid
• (-)Caryophyllene oxide
• Ambroxide
• (3aR)-(+)-Sclareolide

As the NLTimes states: according to RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) about a quarter of the current tobacco flavors can be made with that list of ingredients.

On the other hand, Emil ‘t Hart, from the trade association Esigbond, has a different opinion: “We were able to taste the first variants. That’s a very weak derivation of what should be a tobacco flavor“.

The ban not only forbids flavours other than tobacco manufactured with the use of allowed substances but also applies to the packaging. These can not contain images related to anything besides tobacco.

Furthermore, the rules applying to e-liquids names and words on e-liquid packaging will be stricter. E-liquid names like those stated by NOS.nl, “bad boy fuel“, “OMGin”, or “chillin” will no longer be allowed.

The e-liquid ban will come to life in 2 stages. The first is banning the production of flavoured vaping products. Manufacturers of flavoured e-cigarettes and refill e-juices have time till 1 July 2023.

Then comes a sell-out period between 1 July and 1 October 2023. After that date, the ban will come to force to a full extent.

Above, you could read the opinions of RIVM and Emil ‘t Hart of the trade association Esigbond. We also asked Marcin Górecki, the head of the Chemnovatic Legal Regulations Department, what he thinks about the Dutch ban. Here’s what he said:

“The Netherlands is the first country that went so far in regulating flavoured e-liquids on a national TPD level. It is a precedent approach in the entire EU, specifying exactly what ingredients can be used. Let’s mention, that so far, some countries had their lists of what ingredients not to use.

The Netherlands has a completely different approach to vape products than, for example, the UK, and is a part of a certain trend we see among some Member States of the EU. The Dutch actions can also be a kind of closing certain loopholes in the regulations that exist in some countries that limit flavours other than tobacco, because, listening to the market, some manufacturers, under the guise of tobacco flavours, introduce mixed flavours to make their products more attractive to customers.

Reading the justification for introducing such a regulation, you can see that the Netherlands has put a lot of work into selecting the allowed substances, but, as mentioned, the aroma itself loses, as it does not taste as those available so far without a limited list of ingredients.”

With the new legislation coming to life, the Netherlands will join a group of multiple European countries that have already banned e-liquid flavourings. The flavour ban is present, among others, in Latvia, Denmark, Finland, and Estonia.

It seems that the number of countries forbidding the use and sale of flavoured e-liquids and e-cigarettes is growing. Not the other way around, and only time will tell how things will be in the future.

If you want to be up-to-date with the e-liquid regulations, check our page and subscribe to our newsletter!

You can also read more about fees and taxes in Europe or placing vaping products in the German market. In case of any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at sales@chemnovatic.com. We can help you with vape regulations or e-liquid registrations!