Author: Charles Bennett

Travelers heading to Southeast Asia must exercise extreme caution as several countries have implemented strict bans on electronic cigarettes, with penalties ranging from heavy fines to imprisonment. Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam are leading the crackdown, enforcing zero-tolerance policies that apply equally to locals and tourists. Violators in Singapore can face fines up to SGD 2,000 (approx. $1,500 USD), while Thailand imposes fines up to 30,000 Baht (approx. $850 USD) or even jail time. Strict Enforcement in Thailand and Singapore Examining the legal landscape reveals that these are not idle threats. In Thailand, the ban encompasses import, sale, and possession. Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized…

Sourcing from China remains the backbone of the global vaping industry, but the landscape has shifted dramatically. Selecting a Chinese vape manufacturer is no longer just about finding the lowest price per unit; it is a complex risk management exercise involving regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, and supply chain resilience. With market competition at an all-time high, partnering with the wrong factory can lead to seized shipments, legal liabilities, or brand-damaging quality failures. This guide breaks down the critical factors for vetting partners in Shenzhen and beyond. The Compliance Filter: Regulatory Standards Examining the global regulatory landscape reveals that compliance…

Singapore’s anti-vaping policy refers to a comprehensive ban on the importation, distribution, sale, purchase, possession, and use of electronic cigarettes, a stance maintained since 2018. Despite these long-standing prohibitions, a worrying rise in the number of young offenders caught in the act and the detection of dangerous drugs in vaping liquids have compelled the Singaporean government to reinforce its arsenal against the practice. A History of Prohibition and Recent Trends Singapore first banned the importation, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes in 2010. In 2018, this was expanded to criminalize purchase, possession, and use. However, after a brief lull, vaping has…

Oral nicotine pouches refer to small, pre-portioned bags containing nicotine powder, flavorings, and other ingredients that are placed between the gum and lip. As brands like Zyn, On!, and Velo surge in popularity, a critical question has emerged: can these products serve as a viable off-ramp for vapers, or do they merely trade one addiction for another? The Rise of Nicotine Pouches: A Market Explosion The popularity of oral nicotine pouches has skyrocketed, driven by aggressive marketing often mirroring the tactics of the e-cigarette industry. Between 2019 and 2022, unit sales increased six-fold. More recently, the growth has been even more…

A new Texas law is set to take effect on September 1st, banning the manufacture and sale of all disposable vaporizers containing any amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. This significant change, enacted through Senate Bill 2024, will remove a popular category of products from the shelves of thousands of smoke shops and gas stations across the state. The ban comes amidst a larger, more contentious legislative battle over the future of Texas’s entire $8 billion retail consumable-hemp industry. Here are five key things to know about the new law and the ongoing situation: 1. What…

The Singaporean government will escalate its fight against vaping by treating it as a drug issue and imposing much stiffer penalties, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in his National Day Rally speech. This toughened stance aims to combat what he described as a “serious concern,” particularly the proliferation of vapes laced with harmful and addictive substances. While vaping has been banned in Singapore since 2018, with current laws imposing a maximum fine of $2,000 for possession, PM Wong stated that fines are “no longer enough.” The new approach will include jail sentences and more severe punishments for those who sell…

A bipartisan group of 32 representatives in the North Carolina House is pushing to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco and vape products from 18 to 21 years old. The proposed bill aims to bring North Carolina into compliance with a federal law passed in 2019 that established 21 as the national minimum age for tobacco sales. Despite the federal mandate, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) has continued to enforce the current state law, which sets the purchase age at 18. The new House bill explicitly states its reasoning is to “protect the youth from the harmful effects…

As the new year approaches and more Britons than ever find themselves hooked on vaping, a landmark study has identified two potentially effective methods for quitting: the anti-smoking pill varenicline and text message-based support programs. With an estimated one in ten UK adults now vaping, and around 8% of adult vapers having never smoked before, finding effective cessation tools has become increasingly important. Varenicline and Text Support Stand Out in Review A review of nine trials involving more than 5,000 participants, conducted by academics from the US and UK, found that the tablet varenicline (known as Champix) and text message-based…

As on 15 December 2024, the Maldives has officially banned vaping and its assciated trade following an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act. The new regulations prohibit the sale, distribution, and use of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and vaping devices. Under the amended law, individuals caught importing vapes or related products will face a fine of MVR 50,000, with an additional MVR 10,000 fine for each e-cigarette or vape unit brought into the country. Selling such products will result in a fine of MVR 20,000, plus an additional MVR 10,000 per unit sold. Even the free distribution of these products carries…