Cargolux takes a stand on disposable e-cigarettes

Cargolux will no longer transport disposable electronic cigarettes in response to concerns over their impact on health and the environment.

The all-cargo airline said that the ban would also apply to its Cargolux Italia and comes in response to “growing concern about the adverse effects of these products on both public health and the environment”.

Cargolux said disposable e-cigarettes pose a significant risk to human health, particularly for younger generations, given their targeted marketing with attractive flavours.

“Additionally, these devices contain lithium batteries which, as they are not recyclable, become an environmental risk if not properly disposed of. Several countries have already imposed bans on these products in their territories,” the carrier said.

Cargolux president and chief executive Richard Forson said: “The ban on transporting disposable electronic cigarettes reflects Cargolux’s commitment to the environment and public health and safety.

“With this action, we hope to contribute to reducing the availability of these products on the market. As a responsible corporate citizen, Cargolux aims for this initiative to encourage other logistics operators to adopt similar measures.”

The carrier added that disposable e-cigarettes join an “expanding list” of items that Cargolux refuses to transport on routes across its global network for ethical reasons.

It is not the first time that e-cigarettes have hit the air cargo headlines.

In 2022, Hong Kong banned the transhipment of the products through its territory to stop them entering the local market.

The ban, which has since been eased, had a negative impact on cargo volumes being transported out of Hong Kong International Airport.

Hong Kong forwarders welcome move to lift “seriously detrimental” e-cigarette ban