The outgoing Dutch government plans to hike the fines for the illegal sale of vapes and cigarettes. with first-time offenders facing a €2,040 penalty.

For a second offence, the fine will rise by more than €1,000 to €3,060. If the illegal sales are carried out by an organisation with more than 50 employees, the penalty will increase to €4,040.

The sale of illegal vapes and cigarettes online, in small supermarkets, night shops and cafés remain a widespread problem in the Netherlands. Vapes should not be sold to anyone under 18, and flavoured vapes are banned in the Netherlands.

Nevertheless, youngsters are still able to buy the illegal vapes under the counter and online. “The message to illegal sellers is clear,” caretaker health minister Judith Tielen said. “Selling illegal vapes will cost you dearly, even for a first offence.”

The new fines are scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2026, but the cabinet’s proposal must still be approved by both houses of parliament.

Dutch product safety watchdog NVWA and customs officials seized a record haul of 80,000 illegal vapes at a storage unit near Schiphol airport in June. The Chinese-made vapes contained flavourings such as watermelon and kiwi, which have been illegal in the Netherlands since the beginning of 2024.

Doctors have long warned against the dangers of vaping, which include collapsed lungs, COPD and cancer.  RTL reported in May that at least five youngsters have nearly died as a result of vaping in the Netherlands