What are Hungary’s vaping regulations in 2024?

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All of the world’s nations regulate nicotine products in slightly different ways – and in many cases, a nation may even have a different set of rules for vaping products than for traditional cigarettes. That’s the case in Hungary, so it’s important to understand what the laws are for vaping if you’re a vaper and are considering moving to Hungary or visiting here. Knowing how the laws work is also important if you’re currently a smoker and are considering making the switch.

There’s no need to worry that Hungary’s vaping laws might be too complex for you to understand. Mostly, it all comes down to using common sense – buy products only from licensed tobacco shops and don’t vape in places where you wouldn’t be allowed to smoke. In this straightforward guide, we’re going to walk you through everything that you need to know.

Are Nicotine Vapes Allowed in Hungary?

Yes,vaping products with nicotine are legal in Hungary. You can bring your own vaping products into Hungary for personal use if you are visiting here, and you will also be able to buy more e-liquid if you run out during your visit.

Hungary Has Stricter Vaping Regulations Than the Rest of the European Union

As a member state of the European Union, Hungary abides by the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). The TPD places limitations on the types of vaping products that can be sold throughout the EU, and all EU member states – along with the United Kingdom – abide by this legal framework. Nations are also free to enact stricter laws than those in the TPD, though, and Hungary has done that.

Here’s an overview of what you need to know.

Restrictions Put Forth in the TPD:

• No disposable vape, vape pod or e-liquid tank can have a capacity greater than 2 ml.
• E-liquid is limited to a maximum nicotine strength of 20 mg/ml.
• E-liquid bottles containing nicotine are limited to a maximum size of 10 ml.

Additional Restrictions in Hungary:

• “Elf Bar” disposable vapes are banned.
• Vaping products can only be sold in specialist shops that are also licensed to sell tobacco products.
• All flavored e-liquids are banned except those intended to taste like tobacco.

Some have criticized Hungary’s vaping regulations as overly harsh, especially given the country’s extremely high adult smoking rate of 29.3 percent. That’s one of the highest smoking rates in the developed world, and many believe that Hungary would do a better job of reducing harm if it encouraged smokers to switch to vaping instead of placing such harsh restrictions on the products that are available.

What Are Hungary’s Public Vaping Laws?

Hungary has strict laws about vaping or smoking in public places, and it’s illegal in Hungary to vape in any place where smoking isn’t allowed. It’s been reported that the fine for vaping in a place where smoking is illegal can be as high as $980 US, which will definitely put a damper on your vacation. So, unless you’re in a designated smoking area, you’ll want to keep your vape in your pocket.

Advertising Vaping Products Is Illegal in Hungary

Hungary has a complete ban on the advertising of vaping products. However, those who want to find vaping products have little trouble doing so because the only stores that can legally sell vapes are licensed tobacco sellers. If you want to find a vape shop in Hungary, all that you have to do is seek out the nearest tobacconist.

How Does Hungary Handle Cannabis Products?

If you have a 510-thread battery from a company like Rokin Vapes, you’re probably best off leaving it at home unless you’re strictly a CBD user. Traditional cannabis containing THC is fully illegal in Hungary, and Hungarian laws treat all illegal drugs exactly the same – so cannabis is treated as harshly as cocaine or heroin.

CBD products, however, are allowed in Hungary, as is hemp cultivation. Both the hemp and the CBD products made from it must have THC levels below 0.2 percent. So, if you want to bring CBD vape cartridges or CBD oils to Hungary, you’re free to do so.If you’re planning to travel with a CBD vape cartridge, you might want to consider leaving it in its original box to minimize any possibility of the cartridge being mistaken for a THC cart.

Must-Know Tips for Vapers Visiting Hungary

If you’re a vaper and are planning to visit Hungary, we hope that you’ve found the information in this article useful. Hungary’s strict vaping laws might frustrate you a little when you see the large number of smokers here, but you’ll find that visiting Hungary as a vaper doesn’t have to be a bad experience as long as you either don’t mind tobacco-flavored e-liquids or bring enough vape juice with you to last through the trip. We’ll leave you with a few final words of advice that will help to make your trip as good as it can be.

• Make sure that you pack your vape gear correctly for traveling. Vaping devices with batteries – and any spare batteries that you might want to bring – always go in your carry-on bag and never in your checked luggage. If you want to bring e-liquid in your carry-on bag, it needs to go in a zip-top bag with your other liquid items. Additional e-liquid can go in your checked luggage with no special requirements or restrictions.
• When you buy e-liquid in Hungary, buy it only from a licensed tobacco shop. You may hear rumors about certain convenience stores and other shops selling flavored e-liquid under the counter, but you really have no idea what the origins of those products are. You should consider those products potentially dangerous, just as you do with products at home that you believe might be counterfeit. Remember that only licensed tobacco shops can legally sell vaping products in Hungary.
• Bring an alternative form of nicotine such as nicotine gum or pouches when traveling to Hungary. You won’t be allowed to vape on the plane, and if you have a layover at an airport, you may not be able to find an area where you’re allowed to vape. Having an alternative nicotine product available can help you keep your cravings under control.

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