The Most and Least Vape-Friendly Countries in Europe

For the majority of things in life, variety and diversity are a welcome ingredient to our evolution and progress. However, when it comes to vaping and e-cigs, the variety of opinion and regulation is more of a hindrance. Where countries like the UK see e-cigs as an ever increasingly more viable solution for smokers seeking to become smoke-free, other countries may oppose the sale of any products related to vaping. Some countries don't even regulate e-cigarettes and e-juice, which means they are untested and potentially dangers for the consumer.

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The laws of the most and least vape friendly countries in Europe

Austria The sale of e-cigs to under 18's is banned and generally vaping will be subjected to the same laws as smoking. Vaping in a car with anyone under 18 is against the law,

Azerbaijan E cigs are regulated as tobacco products and have restrictions on vaping in public spaces.

Belgium Sale of e-cig products to under-16s is a no, no and all forms of e-cig advertising and sponsorship is banned, though some industry exemptions are in place. Vaping restrictions apply in public places and subject to the same laws as tobacco.

Bulgaria Vaping is subjected to the same laws as tobacco products and the sale and supply to minors (under 18's) is strictly prohibited.

Croatia E-cigs fall under the same laws as tobacco in Croatia, which means vaping in public places is prohibited, along with the sale of e-cigarette products to those under 18.

Cyprus Regulated by the law on health protection, e cigs cannot be sold to under 18s and it is also illegal to vape in the car with a pregnant woman or anyone under the age of 18.

Czech Republic E-cigs must meet a number of product specifications and requirements before sale and advertising should not contain any misleading lifestyle benefits.

Denmark The sale of e-cigs to under 18's is banned and vaping in public spaces is prohibited. Any advertising, promotion or sponsorship related to e-cigs is a no, no and any workplace or space that want to allow vaping requires a written policy by law.

UK E-cigs can be brought to market as either medicine or as consumer products. With regards e-cigs sold as medicine, products must undergo a rigorous licensing process. While one company has achieved success, it is yet to be made available, which leaves consumable products. This means that e-cigs follow the same rules as tobacco products and vaping is prohibited in public places.

Estonia Classified as tobacco products, the sale of e-cigs to under-18s is banned, as is the possession of an e-cig by a minor. Vaping is banned in all public spaces.

Finland Falling under the same manner as tobacco products, e-cigs cannot be sold via vending machine and the sale of vaping products to those under 18 is strictly prohibited. All advertising and promotion, including at the point of sale, is banned and vaping ion a vehicle where under 15s are present is also a no, no.

France Sale to under 18's is banned and vaping in public places such as train stations and enclosed workplaces are prohibited.

Georgia E-cigs are classified as tobacco products in Georgia and cannot be sold to those under 18. Additionally, the sale of e-cigs online is restricted and expectedly, vaping is banned in public places and public transport.

Germany Subject to the same laws as tobacco products, the sale to those under 18 is banned. Advertising restrictions apply to the majority of media platforms such as print, radio and tv, however, billboard advertising is allowed.

Greece Viewed in the same way as cigarettes - restrictions on e-cigarette advertising applies across the printed media, radio, tv and internet. Sale to under-18s is prohibited.

Hungary Classified as consumer products and available to purchase at tobacco shops.

Iceland Following the EU Tobacco Product Directive, e-cigs and vaping typically abide by the same rules as cigarettes do.

Italy Regulated by the same rules as tobacco products, e-cigs cannot be sold to those under 18 and use in school and on school premises is strictly prohibited.

Latvia Promotion and advertising of e-cigs are banned across many platforms are banned including electronic media.

Lithuania Classified as a tobacco product, e-cigs cannot be sold to those under 18 and all advertising and promotion of vaping products are banned.

Luxembourg Sale of e-cigs to under-18s is strictly prohibited and vaping in certain public spaces where minors may be present is banned. It is also an offence to vape in a vehicle where a child under 12 may be present.

Moldova Sale to under-18s is banned and vaping in public places and on public transport is prohibited.

NorwaySale of e-cig products to under 18's is prohibited and vaping in public places is also banned.

Poland Advertising, promotion and sponsorship relating to e-cigarettes is banned, along with the sale to under-18s and vaping in public places.

Portugal Prohibited in public places and on public transport, e-cigarettes also face multiple advertising restrictions. The sale of e-cigarettes to minors under 18 is banned.

Romania Deemed to be comparable to tobacco products, e-cigarettes fall under the same laws as cigarettes.

Serbia Vape friendly, the only restrictions in place prohibit the advertising, promotions and sponsorship of e-cigarettes.

Slovakia Regulated by the same laws as tobacco products, e-cigarettes and vape products must display the standard health warnings associated with cigarettes and should, of course, be kept out of reach from children.

Slovenia Classified as tobacco products, e-cigarettes must display the relevant health warnings associated with smoking. The sale of e-cigs to under-18s is banned, as is vaping in a private vehicle where those under the age of 18 may be present. Vaping in public places and public transport is a no, no.

Spain Defined as "devices capable of releasing nicotine" vape products must be compliant with a range of specifications before being introduced to the market. Packaging should not contain any misleading health or lifestyle benefits.

Sweden Regulated by the law on electronic cigarettes and refill containers, vaping devices and refill tanks must be compliant with content and design regulations as specified by the law. Sale to under-18s is strictly prohibited with age verification mechanisms in place for purchase in-store and online.

Switzerland Interestingly non-nicotine e-cigarettes are regulated within the food act as 'commodities' however, the sale of nicotine e-cigarettes is prohibited. Import for personal consumption is allowed with a personal provision limited to 150ml.

Turkey Legislation states e-cigs to be the same as tobacco products and restricts the sale of vaping products to under-19s. Advertising, promotion and sponsorship regarding e-cigs are banned and if you're caught vaping in a public space or on public transport, you can expect a hefty fine.

Ukraine Classified as e-cigarettes, vaping in public places and on public transport is banned, though designated areas are provided.

It's important to note that any country within the EU, including the UK, are subjected to the Tobacco Products Directive, which lays down the law as far as e-cig and vape products regulated and produced to meet certain health and safety standards before being sold to consumers.