Foto: DELFI / Domantas Pipas
According to the authors of the document, the country is seeing an increase in the consumption of new types of products, such as heated tobacco, e-cigarettes, and hookahs, especially among young people. Tobacco products, regardless of whether they are consumed by burning or heating, as well as related products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, are highly addictive because they contain nicotine derived from tobacco leaves, synthetic nicotine, or nicotine salts.
Globally, approximately 16,000 unique flavorings are used in e-cigarette liquids, many of which are appealing to children. These flavorings mask the harshness of nicotine and play a key role in a person’s decision to try vaping for the first time.
At the same time, the World Health Organization reminds us that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco or nicotine.
New Bans and Strict Fines Effective June 24
It is noteworthy that, starting June 24, 2026, legislative amendments will take effect in Moldova that significantly expand the list of places where smoking and vaping are prohibited. This list includes sports fields, beaches, bus stops, underground walkways, public areas, and balconies of residential buildings. A 10-meter safety zone will also be established around entrances, open windows, and ventilation systems of public buildings.
The new rules completely ban the sale of nicotine pouches for oral use, tighten requirements for e-cigarettes, and impose heavy fines: up to 2,250 lei (or community service) for individuals and up to 15,000 lei with a suspension of operations for up to one year for legal entities found to have violated the law.
