Cigar Regulations Update: UK, Netherlands and Belgium

Each month, Paul Varakas, Director General of the European Cigar Manufacturers Association (ECMA), highlights the latest developments affecting cigar consumers and retailers across Europe.

Across several EU countries and the UK, new regulatory proposals and legislative steps continue to impact the cigar community. Staying informed and engaging with policymakers is more important than ever.

Here are the latest updates and ways you can take action:

United Kingdom
The bill establish a generational ban has passed the House of Lords; moving to the final stages – Let’s make sure MPs in the House of Commons also hear our concerns: take part in the campaign to contact your local MP – https://savecigars.co.uk

Netherlands
The Dutch government has announced the end of the sale of single sticks. As a result, as of 1 July 2026, cigars in The Netherlands will no longer be sold from an open package unless they are individually packaged and marked with a security feature. If you are a retailer, contact the Ministry of Finance to ask for an extension!

Belgium
The Belgian Minister of health has confirmed its intention to publish a bill this year to ban smoking around terraces as well as smoking rooms, cigar lounges and more places in Belgium. The text will soon be discussed in Parliament and we hope to see the cigar community raise its voices by signing this petition:
https://dekamer.mijnopinie.belgium.be/initiatives/i-1195