Pro Vape
17 Feb 2025
An independent study led by Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Arnis Sauka explores the key factors driving the grey market for tobacco-free nicotine products in Latvia.
Expert interviews conducted as part of the research highlight several reasons for the persistence and growth of this market.
Key Drivers Identified by Experts (2024):
Financial Motivation: Cost savings were the primary reason consumers turned to the grey market, exacerbated by high excise duties.
Lack of Enforcement: A perceived sense of impunity and weak enforcement created an environment where the grey market thrived.
Flavor Preferences: The newly introduced flavor ban is expected to push consumers toward unregulated products to access their preferred flavors.
Ease of Access: Grey market products are widely available through online platforms like Telegram, making them easily accessible.
Policy Gaps: Experts emphasized that overly restrictive policies, such as excessive bans, coupled with a lack of consideration for consumer behavior, inadvertently drive consumers toward illegal alternatives.
These insights highlight the need for collaboration between policymakers, enforcement agencies, and industry stakeholders to effectively address the root causes of grey market activity.
💡 Explore the full report: https://lnkd.in/d-sUbhpr The study was commissioned by the Beztabakas Produktu Asociācija/Non-tobacco Products Association.
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