Hungary: Government Plans to Regulate Sales of E-cigarettes, Cartridges

Source from:  Budapest Business Journal 10/21/2015

The Hungarian government plans to regulate sales of electronic cigarettes and cartridges, according to a draft bill posted on the governmentʼs website.

The bill would require manufacturers and sellers of e-cigarettes and cartridges to register their products six months before bringing them to market and pay an "administration fee" to the state healthcare authority.

An impact study attached to the draft puts the positive fiscal impact of enacting the legislation at HUF 5.5 bln in 2016-2019.

The bill gives e-cigarette sellers until December 20, 2016 to register products on the market on May 19, 2016.

Manufacturers or sellers of e-cigarettes and cartridges that fail to comply with the regulations could be fined up to HUF 50 mln, depending on the severity of the violation.

The bill would restrict the use of e-cigarettes in public places, much as the use of conventional tobacco products are restricted. It would also ban the advertising of e-cigarettes or e-cigarette brands.

The Ministry of Human Capacities has invited feedback on the draft bill until October 21. Enditem