Last updated: 22.04.2026
What are the tobacco laws in Poland?
The legal status of tobacco products in Poland requires businesses to comply with comprehensive regulations aimed at tobacco control and public health protection, reflecting broader international standards such as the Framework Convention. Although traditional products like smoking tobacco and smokeless tobacco, as well as newer alternatives including electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and nicotine pouches, are present on the market, their availability and use are strictly regulated. These measures are designed to protect the population, particularly youth, and to reduce overall tobacco use prevalence.
How are tobacco products classified and regulated in Poland?
Tobacco products include traditional cigarettes, as well as dried tobacco, pipe tobacco and tobacco for water pipes, cigars, cigarillos, chewing tobacco, and sniff or tobacco for oral use. Heated tobacco products, in which nicotine is released as a result of heating, are also classified as tobacco products.
However, under Polish law, the production and marketing of tobacco for oral use (snus) is strictly prohibited.
There are also strict restrictions on flavorings. The sale of cigarettes, dried tobacco, and heated tobacco products that have a distinct smell or taste other than that of tobacco is prohibited. Tobacco products must not contain ingredients that give the impression of health benefits, stimulants like caffeine or taurine, or color additives that are released into the vapor.
Tobacco Availability and Sales Restrictions in Poland
Polish regulations impose the following certain restrictions:
Minimum Age for Tobacco Sales in Poland
The sale of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18 is prohibited, and the seller has the right to ask the buyer to present a document confirming their age.
Tobacco Sales restrictions
Sales through vending machines and self-service systems are prohibited (excluding duty-free shops),
Online Sale of Tobacco Products in Poland
Distance sales, including online sales, are strictly prohibited.
Tobacco Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Cigarettes cannot be sold individually or in packs containing fewer than 20 cigarettes. Health warnings must be clearly displayed, in line with EU labeling requirements designed to make consumers more aware of the risks
Tobacco Advertising Ban and Public Smoking Rules in Poland
In Poland there is a comprehensive ban on advertising and promotion, as well as publicity or sponsorship by tobacco companies of any sporting, cultural, educational, or health-related events.
This applies to appearances on television, radio, in print media, online, and on posters.
The use of tobacco products, including the smoking of novel, heated tobacco products, is strictly prohibited in enclosed public places including facilities such as restaurants, offices, and public transport. Smoking in such facilities is permitted only in specially designated, enclosed smoking rooms.
Registration and Reporting Requirements for Tobacco Products in Poland
Ingredient Reporting Obligations
Manufacturers and importers must submit a detailed list of ingredients and emission levels to the Director of the Chemicals Agency at least six months before the planned market launch of new or modified tobacco products.
Authorization of Novel Tobacco Products
Placing them on the market for the first time requires obtaining a special permit, which must be applied for six months prior to the launch. This requires the submission of detailed scientific and market studies. The fee for issuing the authorization is thirty times the average monthly wage in the enterprise sector.
Annual Reporting Duties
Each year, by March 31, companies must submit data on sales figures and available consumer preference surveys for the previous year.
Track & Trace System for Tobacco Products in Poland
Poland enforces the EU system for tracking the movement and origin of tobacco products. Each unit package must bear a unique identifier and a tamper-proof security feature. Businesses participating in the supply chain are required to record every movement of products, from the manufacturer to the first retail location. Manufacturers and importers must also finance and enter into contracts with independent data storage centers.
Tobacco Taxation in Poland – Excise Duties and Rates
Tobacco products, dried tobacco, and novel tobacco products are classified as excise goods and are subject to taxation reflecting both economics and public policy goals to reduce the number of smokers and tobacco-related deaths.
- Cigarettes and tobacco: The excise tax on cigarettes and tobacco is PLN 476.10 per 1000 units and 32,05% of the maximum retail price,
- Smoking (dried) tobacco: For smoking (dried) tobacco, it is PLN 412,58 per kilogram and 32,05% of the maximum retail price,
- Cigars and cigarillos: For cigars and cigarillos, PLN 903,90 per kilogram.
Any product of this type intended for sale within the country is subject to the requirement of being marked with excise stamps (banderoles) ensuring regulatory compliance and consumer protection.
