Electronic cigarettes could be classified as medicinal products under new plans outlined by the EU Commission designed to prevent young people from smoking. The new plans precede UK laws which will reclassify e-cigarettes as a medicine from 2016. Other proposed EU tobacco restrictions could include more prominent health warnings on cigarette packets, a ban on adding flavours such as menthol or vanilla and a ban on chewing tobacco.

Sales of tobacco-free products have boomed since smoking bans came into force worldwide but campaigners have warned over the dangers to young people and non-smokers.