Heiligenblut

32% of the adult population are current smokers

There are approximately 2.5 million current smokers in Austria

Quick links to detailed datasheets for Austria
Cigarettes E-cigarettes Snus Pouches HTP NRT
Country profile
Data sourced: 2024.   Page updated: 2024-07-23

Smoking in Austria

The overall smoking prevalence in Austria has been decreasing since 2006. 29.1% of the adult population in Austria are current smokers, down from 31% in 2006. This means there are now approximately 2.2 million smokers in the country. 30.4% of men smoke, whilst 27.7% of women are current smokers.

The most recent data show there were 10,166 annual deaths from tobacco-smoking related diseases (approximately 3,600 women and 6,600 men). The annual percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 13.73% (women: 8.3%; and men: 16.7%).

Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in Austria and there are 283,900 vapers in the country, giving an adult vaping prevalence of 3.67%. There is a requirement to ensure vape packaging contains a health warning, and vapes can only be sold to those 18 and older. Vaping devices can be purchased without a prescription but there are legal restrictions on their use in public places.

Heated tobacco products can be marketed but the situation is a more complicated for snus. While it is illegal to import snus for trade or to buy the product online, it is possible to import it for personal use.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products can be marketed and are available to buy in pharmacies without a prescription. The NRT market in Austria is worth €12.5 million.

For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.

10,166

Deaths

10166 people die every year due to tobacco smoking in Austria.

12.5 million €

Market size of NRT.

NRT market size is estimated to be 12.5 million €.

Nicotine Vaping Devices

in Austria

Austria abides by the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) (2014). E-cigarettes can be classified as medicines if medicinal claims are made, and can therefore be regulated under the Austrian Medicinal Products Act, or as tobacco related products, in which case they are regulated by the Amended Austrian Tobacco Act 2016. Since May 2018 vaping is prohibited wherever smoking bans apply, including vaping in cars where minors are present. There is no specific tax on e-cigarettes.

Heated Tobacco Products

in Austria

The prevalence of current using HTP among adults is 3%. The prevalence of daily using HTP among adults is 1.5%. HTP is allowed. HTP is legal to market.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

in Austria

NRT market size is estimated to be 12.5 million €. In Austria it is legal to purchase nicotine without using NRT prescription. NRT is legal to market. NRT are available in Pharmacy.

Snus

in Austria

The prevalence of daily using snus among adults is 8%. The sale of Snus is banned. Snus is legal to use.

Pouches

in Austria

The prevalence of daily using pouches among adults is 9%. Pouches are allowed. Pouches are legal to market.

The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team. However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product categories can change at short notice and with little publicity. If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region, you should verify the information independently. If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details and any references and we will rectify any errors.