Age at First Use of Tobacco and Nicotine Products; Credit: Fondation Cancer

On Tuesday 28 May 2026, ahead of World No Tobacco Day on 31 May, Luxembourg’s Directorate of Health and Fondation Cancer presented the results of the ILRES survey on smoking prevalence in Luxembourg in 2025, highlighting growing nicotine consumption among young people and increasing use of alternative nicotine products.

According to the survey, smoking and nicotine consumption concern nearly one third of residents aged sixteen and over. Alongside traditional cigarettes, products such as electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches continue to gain popularity, particularly among younger age groups.

The survey showed that tobacco and nicotine use often begins before the age of eighteen. Young people cited stress, peer influence and the social image associated with these products among the main reasons for consumption.

Among sixteen- to-24-year-olds, all forms of nicotine consumption were represented, including cigarettes, shisha, electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches. The results also indicated that nicotine, particularly through vaping, has become a major gateway to smoking.

Despite the situation, the survey highlighted that many young smokers wish to stop smoking. One in two young smokers expressed a desire to quit, with health identified as the main motivation.

The survey also found that exposure to second-hand smoke remains high in everyday environments, particularly among young people. Such exposure was observed both in certain outdoor spaces and in social venues and during indoor events.

The Directorate of Health noted that Luxembourg strengthened its legal framework through the law of 28 November 2025, which entered into force on 1 January 2026. The legislation sets a maximum nicotine content of 0.048 mg per unit for nicotine pouches and new nicotine products, prohibits their use in places frequented by young people such as schools and playgrounds, and bans additives associated with energy and vitality, including caffeine, taurine and CBD.

According to the authorities, heated tobacco products are now subject to the same rules as traditional cigarettes, while sales to minors are strictly prohibited, including mandatory identity checks in cases of doubt.

The full survey and infographics are available on maviesanstabac.lu.