The illegal sale of online vapes in Belgium is severely repressed
In Belgium, the sale of tobacco products via the Internet is prohibited. This ban also applies to electronic cigarettes. However, these products continue to be offered online, in particular via social networks or certain sales platforms. Faced with this, the SPF Public Health intervenes strictly. In 2024, no less than 6,286 files concerning the illegal sale of online e-cigarettes were processed, compared to 824 files in 2023. Thanks to additional means and a strengthening of the teams, the controls are now more targeted and the interventions faster.
Social media surveillance
Our inspection service carefully monitors social networks like Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Snapchat. Every day, our inspectors and controllers are looking for suspicious announcements or publications daily, follow the complaints received and try to collect information on sellers thanks to the mystery shopping. In 2023, we identified 70 private sellers on Facebook directly offering their vapes via publications. This led to the seizure of 5,500 vapes. In 2024, we checked 98 selling profiles and entered 3,800 vapes. When a home visit reveals packages ready to be shipped, we also send a warning to buyers, because the purchase is also prohibited.
We note that platforms like Facebook are increasingly deleting explicit announcements, but vigilance remains essential. Indeed, sellers seek to get around the rules by hiding in closed groups or using waving descriptions. Our controllers and inspectors use fictitious profiles to also identify these hidden forms of sale.
Online platforms and foreign sites
We also carry out active checks on Amazon and auction sites. In 2024, more than 6,000 illegal product links were removed on Amazon. The sale of e-cigarettes on the auction sites is strictly prohibited, but our inspectors and controllers still noted that e-cigarettes were offered there-sometimes even below the market price. This led to 13 minutes and the seizure of 150 vapes.
Many foreign sales sites are still trying to reach Belgian customers. We have already sent 34 warnings to this type of website in 2024. Other platforms like 2ndmemain.be, Temu, Alibaba and Aliexpress are also closely monitored.
Sanctions and objectives
When an illegal advertising of online vapes is noted, a warning is first sent. In the event of a recurrence, fines of 2,000 to 800,000 euros are imposed. In cases of online sales of electronic cigarettes, a report is directly established immediately, accompanied by an administrative fine proposal from 1,500 euros. We collaborate with foreign inspection services and the prosecution to make the sites illegal inaccessible to Belgian users. This action aims to protect young people and contribute to a healthier society.
