Author: James Anderson

Law Targets Rising Illegal Trade and Youth Vaping with Criminal Penalties Uzbekistan’s Senate (Oliy Majlis) has approved a law banning the import and sale of electronic cigarettes, associated liquids, and other electronic nicotine delivery systems. The move, adopted on April 30, introduces amendments to the Criminal and Administrative Codes to enforce the prohibition. The new legislation establishes liability for the illegal production, storage, transportation, sale, import, and export of these banned products. Senators cited concerns over a dramatic increase in illegal imports – noting 5.4 million e-cigarettes worth $28.5 million imported over four years, an 80-fold rise – and the…

In an effort to address the growing problem of teenage vaping in Louisiana, state lawmakers recently considered two bills designed to increase taxes on traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. While one bill successfully passed out of committee, the other faced opposition from conservative legislators. Rep. Ken Brass proposed raising the tax on vape products from 15 cents to 33 cents per milliliter, citing the alarming statistic that nearly one in three high school students in Louisiana use e-cigarettes. Paige McCrory, an eighth-grade teacher in Rapides Parish, testified that her students, some as young as 13, are already addicted to vaping and…

The Alabama House of Representatives has passed a bill to enhance enforcement of the state’s ban on selling vape products to individuals under 21. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, received strong bipartisan support with a vote of 89-9. Key Provisions of the Bill Addressing Enforcement Challenges Rep. Drummond cited lack of funding for enforcement as a major issue with the current law, allowing unsafe products to reach the market. “Vaping is horrible when it comes to our children,” Drummond stated. “We don’t know what’s in those products.” Next Steps and Outlook The bill now moves to the…

New York’s attempt to ban flavored nicotine pouches like Zyn has stalled following intense lobbying from tobacco companies. The legislation, which would have prohibited most flavored nicotine pouches except menthol, was unexpectedly pulled from the Assembly Health Committee’s agenda just before a scheduled vote. Key Players and Their Positions Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, both Manhattan Democrats, sponsored the bill targeting products that could appeal to younger users. Committee Chair Amy Paulin officially cited the FDA’s recent marketing authorization for certain Zyn products as the reason for delaying action. Industry Opposition Forces Delay The bill faced significant opposition…

A new indirect tax on e-liquids for vaping devices in Spain officially took effect on April 1st, 2025. Authorities implemented this measure aiming to equalize the tax burden between vaping products and traditional tobacco, while also seeking to curb overall consumption. The new tax structure is tiered based on nicotine concentration. E-liquids containing less than 15 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter face a tax of €0.15 per milliliter. For products with 15 milligrams or more per milliliter, the tax rate increases to €0.20 per milliliter. Initially scheduled for January 1st, the government delayed the tax implementation until April 1st. This…

Texas lawmakers are tackling a surge of illegal e-cigarettes, particularly those from China aimed at minors, by considering Senate Bill 1698. The core of this legislation, introduced by State Sen. Tan Parker (R–Flower Mound), involves establishing a regulated state directory. This directory would list only federally compliant vape products, serving as the primary mechanism to block the sale of unlisted, illicit items within the state and combat the influx targeting youth. Senator Parker highlighted the origin and nature of the problem during the committee hearing. “These are mass-produced in unregulated factories and shipped straight into U.S. retailers, often in direct…

On April 1, Belgium implemented a law that bans the display of tobacco products in stores, including supermarkets and large shops over 400 square meters. The law, part of Belgium’s long-term strategy to create a smoke-free generation by 2040, aims to reduce the visibility and accessibility of cigarettes and vaping products. While tobacco products can still be sold, buyers must request them from the seller directly. This move is intended to make smoking less visible and accessible, particularly to younger individuals. However, many shop owners have faced challenges in adapting to the law, with some creating makeshift solutions, such as…

Planning a vacation abroad but can’t imagine leaving your trusty e-cigarette behind? Many Swiss travelers are surprised to discover that vaping is subject to strict regulations or even outright bans in some of their favorite holiday spots. Being unprepared can lead to hefty fines, airport hassles, or even the confiscation of your device. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the vaping landscape in popular Swiss travel destinations, highlighting vape-friendly locations, countries with specific prohibition zones, and places where strict laws and severe penalties are in effect. Vaping in the EU: A Snapshot Across the European Union, e-liquid nicotine content is…

A Utah law banning flavored vape juices and products with more than 4% nicotine content has taken effect, leaving only 34 FDA-approved products from six manufacturers legal for sale in the state. The move has vape shop owners fearing for their businesses, with some predicting they will be forced to close their doors. The ban, passed last year as part of SB61, aims to crack down on flavored vapes and ejuice that lawmakers allege are marketed to young people and lead to youth nicotine use. Despite a legal challenge from the vape industry, U.S. District Judge David Barlow ruled Monday…

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 2026 budget proposal includes a new 30% tax on vape products, which could significantly impact the vaping industry in Michigan. The proposal also seeks to prohibit the sale of vaping products not authorized by the FDA, limiting flavored nicotine to only tobacco and menthol flavors. Other flavors would be considered contraband under state law. Jim McCarthy, spokesman for American Vapor Manufacturers, argues that this proposal could harm small businesses selling vapes and nicotine in local neighborhoods. He emphasizes that many people use vaping as a means to quit smoking tobacco and may not want products that taste…