The European Shisha Community Alliance (ESCA) is dedicated to protecting and preserving shisha culture and businesses in Europe. We aim to promote and protect the interests of the many thousands of businesses that make or sell a part of the unique social and cultural experience that is shisha.
Shisha is a centuries old cultural and social ritual, originating in the Middle East and India where it was used to show hospitality and openness and bring people together. Today, it is also an integral cultural staple for many minority communities in Europe.
Our culture and our sector are at risk, usually from legislation targeting giant multinational cigarette companies selling very different products to ours.
Until ESCA was formed, the shisha community was one of the few business sectors in Europe that was not represented in political decision making by a trade association.
ESCA is committed to supporting and defending its members by
Promoting understanding of the culture, community and business of shisha to society and politicians.
Protecting shisha from regulation that threatens the shisha economic and social community.
Working with law makers to support regulation that supports good practices and high standards in our sector.
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Tobacco Excise Directive (TED)
Focus: Revision of the EU framework for the taxation of tobacco products.
Potential impact: The revision could introduce a new excise structure for shisha products, directly affecting taxation levels, product affordability and the competitiveness of the sector across Member States.
Tobacco Products Directive (TPD)
Focus: Review of the EU legislation governing the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products.
Potential impact: The revision may introduce new product requirements affecting flavours, packaging, ingredients, product classification and other regulatory obligations specific to shisha products.
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Focus: Monitoring legislative initiatives across European countries that may affect the shisha sector.
Potential impact: ESCA tracks national proposals relating to taxation, flavour restrictions, smoking bans, licensing requirements and other regulatory measures to assess their impact and support coordinated industry responses.
Current priorities
Join ESCA Now
If you would like to join Shisha Alliance, or have questions, or would like to donate to ensure our tradition is protected, fill out the contact form below and a member of our alliance team will contact you