Author: James Anderson

In the largest single operation of its kind to date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have seized 4.7 million units of unauthorized e-cigarette products, with an estimated value of $86.5 million. The joint federal operation, focused on shipments entering through Chicago, marks a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s strategy to combat the flood of illegal vaping products and protect American youth from unregulated nicotine devices. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), nearly all of the confiscated shipments originated in China. Authorities reported that many importers used…

A Wisconsin trade organization, “WiscoFAST,” has lost its federal lawsuit against the Department of Revenue over a new state law that bans the sale of most vaping products. The law, which took effect this week, prohibits the sale of any vape products not authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Retailers have until September 1st to clear their shelves of non-compliant items or face steep fines of $1,000 per day per item. Vape shop owners across the state report that the ban has forced them to remove a significant portion of their inventory. M of N Vapors in…

New regulations for vaping products have taken effect in Arkansas, with further restrictions scheduled for November. As of September 1st, vape sellers are now prohibited from marketing their products in ways that may appeal to minors. This includes banning flavors that imitate food brands and the use of fictional characters from TV, movies, or comic books in promotional materials. Additionally, vaping is now officially banned in all schools, healthcare facilities, and childcare facilities across the state. A more significant change will occur on November 1st, when it will become illegal to sell or possess (for sale) any vape devices that…

The Congress of Mexico City has officially approved modifications to local laws, aligning the capital with federal legislation that prohibits electronic cigarettes and vapes. The reform, passed by the full assembly, amends the local constitution and the Health Law of Mexico City to sanction all activities related to these devices. Morena party deputy Valeria Cruz Flores, presenting the bill on behalf of the Health Commission, stated the move strengthens the human right to health by prohibiting activities related to e-cigarettes and synthetic drugs. She highlighted that in Mexico, adolescent consumption of these products is nearly double that of adults, emphasizing…

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has barred New York-based distributor Demand Vape from using its business shipping services after receiving evidence that the company distributed unregulated e-cigarettes. This action, revealed in letters reviewed by Reuters, is a significant blow to the multi-billion dollar illicit vape industry and could benefit major tobacco companies like Altria and British American Tobacco. The USPS revoked Demand Vape’s “mailing exception” for shipping vapes after the New York City Law Department provided proof of violations, including shipments of products lacking required U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization and those breaking a local flavor ban. Demand…

Colombia has strengthened its regulations against the use of e-cigarettes and vapes in public spaces with the signing of Resolution 00000624 of 2025 by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection on April 8, 2025. This new regulation adopts a technical manual for the mandatory signage in environments designated as “100% free of tobacco smoke and aerosols” from its substitutes and imitators, such as electronic cigarettes and vaporizers. The rule reinforces existing prohibitions under Law 1335 of 2009, providing clear guidelines for a wide range of public and private spaces to ensure smoke-free and aerosol-free environments. The primary implication of…

Mexico City may soon implement a ban on the use and sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes, as local Morena party deputy Alberto Vanegas announced his initiative is advancing and expected to be approved shortly in the capital’s Congress. The primary goal is to align local legislation with a federal law passed last December and to combat the rapidly growing consumption of these products, especially among adolescents. Speaking at a press conference, Vanegas detailed that his proposal seeks to reform Article 9 of the local constitution and modify Mexico City’s Health Law to sanction all activities related to e-cigarettes and…

Malaysia will expand its “pro-health” tax to include tobacco products, vapes, and alcohol, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced while tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) in Parliament. This move aims to encourage healthier lifestyles and curb the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. The tax expansion is a key component of broader healthcare reforms designed to ensure sustainable funding and wider access to quality, affordable healthcare. Anwar highlighted that the public health system is increasingly burdened by medical inflation, an aging population, and the rise in both communicable and non-communicable diseases. The…

A new draft law, No. 13548, has been registered in Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada (parliament), proposing a complete ban on the production, importation, circulation, and sale of all electronic cigarettes, refill containers, and their liquids within the country. The bill’s authors state its primary goal is to protect public health and reduce the spread of nicotine addiction, particularly among the nation’s youth. The push for a total prohibition is fueled by alarming statistics on youth vaping. According to the Ministry of Health, nearly one in five Ukrainians aged 13-15 (19.6% in 2023, up from 18.4% in 2017) regularly use e-cigarettes. The…

The Malaysian government is actively considering a complete ban on the sale and use of all electronic cigarettes and vape products, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed in the Dewan Rakyat. He stressed that while a ban is being explored, its implementation would require careful and comprehensive study of the legal, enforcement, and public health implications. This consideration comes in response to concerns from MPs about varying state-level actions against vape sales. A special committee on e-cigarettes met on July 22, 2025, to review control strategies and recommended further assessment of the industrial, economic, and licensing impacts should…