There was a change in government. I was thinking, shouldn’t we start an official petition to the new government?
We should be able to buy wires, pre-built coils, cotton, and tools in tobacco shops (or in newly legal domestic vape shops!). Instead of only being able to buy disposable vapes and heated products, but proper mods, RTA/RDA tanks. Let base liquid and flavorings (shortfill/longfill) be available again at a realistic price domestically, and let there be a selection!
It would also be more profitable for the government if we weren’t spending our money on Slovak or French webshops, but could buy vape products domestically with a realistic and manageable tax burden.
However, this is not optimal right now. During this transition period, there is no one to handle it yet, so we are consciously not rushing it. The best time would be a few months after the new government takes office, when the ministries are already functioning, but the legislative agenda is still being formed. They are more open at this time.
Our plans
First, we will create a petition page where everyone will have the opportunity to fill out the petition with fields for name, email address, location, and a moderated comment (Why is this change important to you?).
Afterward, once a strong base has been gathered, we can approach various media outlets with this. Then, we will officially submit the petition to the relevant ministries.
Our requests (draft):
Ensuring regulated access to flavored e-liquid and e-cigarette products for adults, in line with the EU TPD directive. We request the replacement of the current complete ban with a regulated access system based on age verification, as implemented in most EU member states. This will preserve the protection of minors while eliminating the ban that makes the legal adult consumer market unviable.
Allowing online sales for registered, licensed retailers. Creating a controlled online sales channel outside of National Tobacco Shops, with age verification, would reduce the black market demand and create a more transparent consumer protection environment.
Integrating the harm reduction approach into health policy. We request that for adults wishing to quit smoking, the electronic cigarette as a harm reduction tool should not be a penalized alternative, but should be included in domestic health-related smoking cessation support programs.
Separating refillable systems and disposable products in regulation. Strict regulation targeting disposable devices, which are most prevalent on the black market and have unknown compositions, should not penalize refillable systems manufactured according to EU standards and quality-controlled.
Allowing specialized vape shops with trained personnel. We request the creation of a separate retail license category that would permit the opening of dedicated e-cigarette specialty shops operated by trained staff. The National Tobacco Shop monopoly framework is unsuitable for harm reduction advice; a smoker wishing to quit requires personalized professional information. A vape shop would simultaneously provide legal, controlled physical access and authentic, personal harm reduction counseling, which online sales cannot replace.
Mandatory stakeholder consultation before future regulatory changes. We request the introduction of legal guarantees to ensure that any future legislative changes concerning electronic cigarettes are preceded by a consultation process involving consumer and professional representatives, with adequate preparation time provided.
