Author: James Anderson

Spain’s upcoming anti-tobacco law will prohibit the use of vapes (e-cigarettes) in all the same public spaces where traditional smoking is banned, according to Health Minister Mónica García. This move aims to equate the regulation of electronic cigarettes with that of conventional tobacco. The expanded ban will cover areas such as bar and restaurant terraces, bus stops, company vehicles, school and university facilities, and public swimming pools. Minister García stated that the goal is to close a regulatory loophole that the industry has “exploited to attract new consumers,” emphasizing that there is no scientific evidence that alternative devices reduce tobacco…

Starting July 1st, consumers of vapes, nicotine pouches, and other tobacco products in Illinois will face higher prices as a new tax hike takes effect. The state tax on vaping products will triple, increasing from 15% to 45% of the wholesale price. Most other tobacco products, including cigars and chewing tobacco, will also see their wholesale tax rate rise to 45%, up from 36%. Additionally, the tax on a pack of cigarettes will increase by $1. This tax increase also applies to popular non-tobacco nicotine products like Zyn nicotine pouches. The price of a can of Zyn, currently around $8…

The Indonesian Vape Consumers Association (Akvindo) has criticized the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government’s Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) on Smoke-Free Areas (KTR) for treating e-cigarettes (vapes) as equivalent to combustible tobacco. Akvindo Chairman, Paido Siahaan, stated that while they appreciate efforts to protect public health, equating the two products is an incorrect and flawed policy. “Equating e-cigarettes with cigarettes in this regulation is inappropriate,” Paido said. He argued that vapes have different characteristics and risk profiles and should not be treated the same as burnt tobacco under policies like Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024. “E-cigarettes are alternative tobacco products that…

Bulgaria’s National Assembly has passed legislation to implement a nationwide ban on the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes (vapes), a measure that applies to products both with and without nicotine. The bill was approved at its second reading with strong parliamentary support, receiving 133 votes in favor, 30 against, and 8 abstentions. This comprehensive ban targets the sale of single-use vapes, which have become increasingly popular, particularly among young people. The move is part of a broader effort to tighten regulations on tobacco and nicotine products. The updated law also prohibits the sale of all tobacco products, including smokeless, novel,…

International travelers who use e-cigarettes (vapes) must be aware of widely varying global regulations, as at least 35 countries have implemented total bans on these devices, while many others impose strict restrictions on their use, sale, and importation. Legislation changes frequently, making it crucial to research the specific laws of your destination before traveling to avoid severe penalties. Countries like Thailand, India, Brunei, Taiwan, Seychelles, Nepal, Singapore, and Mexico are among those with stringent prohibitions where even possession can lead to airport confiscation, heavy fines, and, in some cases, imprisonment. In these destinations, it is safest to avoid bringing any…

Belarus is preparing a significant reform of its regulatory framework for nicotine-containing products, including a wide range of new rules for electronic cigarettes (vapes), nicotine pouches, and e-liquids. A draft law titled “On Tobacco Raw Materials, Tobacco, Non-Tobacco Nicotine-Containing Products, Electronic Smoking Systems and Liquids for Them, Systems for Tobacco Consumption” has been put forward for public discussion. The new legislation aims to bring comprehensive oversight to a market currently plagued by illicit trade and growing youth consumption, though it stops short of a complete ban on vapes or cigarettes. The impetus for this reform stems from alarming statistics. According…

North Carolina lawmakers are debating a bill to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco and vape products from 18 to 21, aligning state law with federal regulations enacted in 2019. The proposed legislation is named in memory of 15-year-old Solomon Wynn, who doctors say died from vaping complications. Solomon’s stepmother, Charlene Zorn, is urging state leaders to pass the bill, stating, “Had Solomon’s friends not been able to get vapes, Solomon would have never started vaping. My stepson’s death was completely preventable.” North Carolina is currently one of only seven states that has not yet raised its tobacco purchase…

The Russian State Duma is prepared to support a complete ban on the sale of vapes (electronic nicotine delivery devices), according to Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin. This strong parliamentary stance follows recent calls for such a prohibition by Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov, who cited the ineffectiveness of current age restrictions and serious health risks. “Following Minister Anton Alikhanov’s statement… we expect the government to introduce the corresponding legislative initiative. Deputies will support the bill — moreover, we will prioritize its review,” Volodin stated. He emphasized the clear health dangers of vaping, noting that vape liquids can contain heavy metals…

Alabama’s first comprehensive regulations on vaping products, under House Bill 8 (HB8), officially went into effect on Sunday, June 1st. The new law aims to significantly curtail vaping among Alabama’s youth by increasing fines for non-compliant businesses, restricting available vape flavors, and introducing new licensing requirements. A key provision of HB8 limits convenience stores across Alabama to selling only 34 specific tobacco and menthol-flavored e-cigarette products that have received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. All other flavored vaping products, including hundreds currently pending FDA review, are now banned from sale in these general retail locations. These other flavored…

The Malaysian state of Perlis will prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes) effective August 1st. Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli announced the decision, stating it aligns with a 2022 Perlis State Fatwa Committee ruling on e-cigarettes. Vape traders are advised to seek new business ventures as their licenses and operations will be halted. While acknowledging the difficulty in completely curbing vape use, Shukri is optimistic the sales ban will help protect youth. Local authorities will conduct monitoring and enforcement on premises selling vapes after the deadline. This move follows police recommendations due to concerns over synthetic drug abuse linked…