Monaco, 15 May 2025 – In a decisive move to strengthen public health protections and address environmental concerns, Monaco has enacted sweeping anti-tobacco legislation that prohibits disposable electronic cigarettes, raises the minimum legal smoking age to 18, and expands smoke-free zones throughout the Principality.
The reform, unanimously passed by the National Council, is being described as a landmark shift in Monaco’s health and environmental policy. Officials say the new rules directly target both youth vaping trends and the growing waste crisis caused by single-use “puff” devices, which are often marketed with bright colours and sweet flavours that appeal to minors.
Under the updated law:
- The sale of disposable vapes is fully banned
- Tobacco products may no longer be sold to individuals under 18
- Smoke-free areas will be significantly expanded to reduce passive smoking in public spaces
The legislation also formally integrates electronic nicotine delivery systems into Monaco’s legal code, aligning the country’s framework with the realities of today’s evolving tobacco industry.
Government Councillor for Health and Social Affairs, Christophe Robino, called the reform “a turning point” for Monaco’s public health strategy. “This is about safeguarding future generations, limiting secondhand smoke exposure, and taking responsibility for the environmental footprint of these disposable devices,” he said.
The policy received full support from all political factions, marking a rare moment of consensus. With this initiative, Monaco positions itself as a regional leader in progressive tobacco control, setting a precedent for other microstates and urban centers facing similar challenges in the era of disposable and digital nicotine products.
