New rules since July 2025
Selling nicotine e-cigarettes to anyone under 18 has been banned in Poland for years. The problem: nicotine-free products — disposables included — had no such ban, and minors could buy them legally. That ended: since 5 July 2025 the ban also covers nicotine-free disposables and nicotine pouches.
Alongside it came restrictions on where vaping is allowed — in line with the classic smoking bans in public places.
The scale — and why it lands on the shop
Research shows enforcement was weak: in a school-environment survey, 46.3 percent of students who bought nicotine products did so in a shop or kiosk — only 9.1 percent online. Real disposable sales hit 99.7 million units in 2023, and for a large share of young users a disposable was their first nicotine product.
The conclusion is brutal for retailers: if underage sales happen mostly in stationary points, that is where enforcement will be aimed. A shop with honest age checks is safer than a competitor that only sometimes looks at an ID.
Age checks as business protection
The rule is simple: ask for ID from anyone who looks under 25 — a standard known from the alcohol trade that works for vape too. A visible verification notice at the register helps: it deters minors without annoying adult customers.
Staff training is the other half of the job — especially in season, when temporary staff work the counter. One refusal procedure, rehearsed out loud, saves ugly scenes later.
How to set up the shop so the topic never touches you
Keep vape products in the line of sight of the seller, not in the back of the shop. Refusing one underage sale is not a loss — it protects your license for the whole rest of the range. In a small town, the reputation of a shop that sells to kids travels faster than any advertising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are nicotine-free disposables also covered?
Yes — since 5 July 2025 the minor sales ban also covers nicotine-free products, including disposable e-cigarettes.
Is online sales outside the scope?
No — the 18+ rule applies to every sales channel. Vending machines are banned outright, and distance selling carries the same age restriction.
How do I protect my shop from the minors problem?
Ask for ID below 25, train staff on the refusal procedure, and keep products in the line of sight of the seller.
Stock your shop from a supplier with procedures
Documents in order, a warehouse in Poland, strictly B2B sales policy. Message us for the price list.