Author: Elena Harper

Bangladesh has enacted a landmark ordinance that bans all emerging tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, effective immediately. The legislation also prohibits tobacco advertising across all media, mandates larger health warnings on packaging, and restricts designated smoking areas, aiming to drastically reduce preventable diseases and youth initiation. In a decisive move for public health, the Government of Bangladesh approved the Smoking and Tobacco Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 on December 30, 2025. Following presidential approval, this amendment took immediate effect, introducing a sweeping ban on emerging nicotine products and tightening regulations on traditional tobacco to curb addiction and protect…

The Alabama Senate passed Senate Bill 9 on Thursday, officially expanding the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act to prohibit the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems in public spaces. Sponsored by Senator Gerald Allen, the legislation targets vaping in government buildings, restaurants, theaters, workplaces, and sports venues like Bryant-Denny Stadium. The bill now moves to the House chamber for final consideration. When does the Alabama vape ban start? The bill has passed the Senate but is not yet law. It must still pass the House chamber and be signed by the Governor before enforcement begins.

The Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has formally proposed a blanket ban on open vape pods and refillable e-liquids to curb the use of illegal substances. Citing the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act (RA No. 11900), the draft administrative order seeks to prohibit the manufacture, importation, and distribution of any vapor product that allows users to manually refill the device. Stakeholders have until February 4 to submit feedback on this drastic policy shift. Closing the “Open System” Loophole Unlike pre-filled closed pods, open systems allow users to mix their own liquids. The DTI argues this flexibility…

Mexico has implemented a strict nationwide ban on vaping devices and e-cigarettes, fundamentally changing the travel landscape for millions of tourists in 2026. This zero-tolerance policy applies to all visitors, with specific implications for cruise passengers arriving at major ports like Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas. The law treats the possession of any vaping device—even for personal use—as illegal importation. Travelers must understand that stepping off a ship or plane with a vape pen can result in immediate confiscation, heavy fines, and potential detainment. The Legal Reality: “Illegal Importation” Examining the customs mandates reveals a critical distinction that many tourists…

Teen vaping refers to the use of electronic cigarettes by adolescents, a trend that has rapidly outpaced traditional smoking among South African youth. A new study and local reports from the North Coast highlight a growing addiction crisis, with experts warning of long-term consequences for the developing brain. Alarming Statistics: Vaping Eclipses Smoking in Schools A 2024 study by the University of Cape Town (UCT), covering 25,000 pupils across 52 schools, paints a concerning picture. While tobacco cigarette use was reported at just 2%, 16.8% of students identified as vapers. This prevalence increases significantly with age, reaching nearly 30% among…

Dual use refers to the concurrent consumption of traditional combustible cigarettes and electronic cigarettes (vapes). While often viewed with skepticism by public health officials concerned that it might prolong smoking habits, new research from Queen Mary University of London challenges this narrative, suggesting it may actually facilitate long-term cessation. Study Insights: Dual Use as a Pathway to Quitting The study, published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, followed 886 adult smokers in the UK over one year. Participants were offered either e-cigarettes or traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) to assist their quit attempts. The findings revealed a distinct advantage for those who…

Vietnam has significantly tightened its regulations on electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, introducing substantial fines for both users and those who facilitate their use. Under the newly issued Decree 371, effective December 31, individuals caught using these devices face fines ranging from 3 million to 5 million dong (approximately US$114–$190). Authorities are also empowered to confiscate and destroy the offending products. The crackdown extends to property owners and managers. Individuals who allow others to use e-cigarettes or heated tobacco on their premises can be fined between 5 million and 10 million dong. For organizations, these penalties double, reaching up…

The enforcement team in the London borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) has confiscated 12,263 illicit vapes with a total value of £106,236 since April 2021. Nearly £24,000 of this total has been seized in the last seven months alone, highlighting an ongoing crackdown on non-compliant products. “It’s up to shopkeepers to comply with the law,” warned Doug Love from H&F Trading Standards. “The message is clear – we’re watching. We monitor shops, and we will remove illegal goods.” This action comes as some retailers have been slow to adapt to the UK’s disposable vape ban, which took effect on…

The Spanish Council of Ministers has approved a draft for a new anti-tobacco law that will legally equate conventional cigarettes with vapes (e-cigarettes) and significantly expand smoke-free and vape-free zones across the country. The bill’s flagship measure is a proposed ban on smoking and vaping on the outdoor terraces of bars and restaurants. The draft law will now undergo a public exposure period and a second review by the Council before heading to parliament for final approval. Health Minister Mónica García justified the new law by stating “there is no such thing as healthy tobacco” and that there is no…

A new study comparing smoking and vaping trends in Australia and New Zealand between 2016 and 2023 suggests that New Zealand’s more liberal and regulated approach to vaping has led to a significantly faster reduction in daily smoking rates compared to Australia’s more restrictive model. The research highlights how different regulatory frameworks can directly influence public health outcomes, offering valuable lessons for countries seeking to balance tobacco control with harm reduction strategies. During the study period, Australia maintained a highly restrictive approach, where nicotine vaping products (NVPs) have required a doctor’s prescription since 2011. In contrast, New Zealand shifted its…