In 2024, the Dutch government introduced measures to progress on creating a smoking-free generation. The online sale of tobacco and flavoured vapes were already prohibited from 1 July 2023, and starting on 1 January 2024, selling flavoured vapes was also prohibited, with only the sale of tobacco flavoured vapes still allowed. This legislative change aims to reduce the use of vapes, especially among youth, as research has shown that 1 in 5 young people (15–25 years of age) bought a vape in 2023. Despite the prohibition, however, young people report that it is still easy to buy a flavoured vape illegally.
Regarding the sale of tobacco itself, some changes have also been made. Since 1 July 2024, supermarkets are no longer allowed to sell tobacco. Consequently, the government expects a reduction from 10,000 to 4,400 tobacco selling points. However, one consideration is that while some tobacco selling points will disappear, new ones will arise, such as new dedicated tobacco shops next to these same supermarkets.
Additionally, the government is working to obligate stores to register when they sell tobacco, which would help strengthen oversight on the development of tobacco selling points. This change in the tobacco act has not yet passed parliament.