Author: James Anderson

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…

The Thai government is intensifying its crackdown on vaping, reinforcing that possession or sale of e-cigarettes can lead to severe legal consequences, including up to 10 years in prison and heavy fines. The move follows Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s decisive stance against vaping, despite her earlier support for its legalization during the election campaign. In response to the growing use of e-cigarettes among Thai teenagers, authorities have launched nationwide operations targeting vape vendors and importers. This comes after MP Chorayuth “Tonkla” Chaturapornprasit was caught vaping inside Parliament, drawing public attention to the issue. Digital Surveillance and Online Bans As part…

As Muslims worldwide prepare for the holy month of Ramadan, a common question arises: Can you vape while fasting? The answer is no. Vaping, like smoking, is considered to break the fast due to the ingestion of harmful substances. However, beyond the religious implications, medical experts warn that vaping during Ramadan can pose significant health risks. Dr. Mutaz Labib, a lung specialist at Clemenceau Medical Center Hospital, explains that the sudden exposure to large amounts of vapor after hours of fasting can be particularly dangerous. “Many people tend to vape aggressively after breaking their fast, inhaling a large amount of…

North Carolina lawmakers have introduced House Bill 430, also known as “Solly’s Law,” in a bipartisan effort to address the growing concern of vaping and tobacco use among teenagers. The bill, introduced on Wednesday, aims to raise the legal sales age of tobacco products to 21 and require a tobacco retail sales permit. Rep. Donnie Loftis, R-Gaston, emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “North Carolina is one of only seven remaining states that has not raised the age to 21. This is important because 95% of tobacco users start before the age of 21, risking a lifetime of addiction…

Oregon lawmakers are currently weighing a proposal to prohibit the sale of flavored vaping products in an effort to curb nicotine addiction among young people. Senate Bill 702, backed by many health professionals, public health experts, and tobacco control groups, aims to address the growing concern of e-cigarette use among children and adolescents. Proponents of the bill argue that flavored vaping products, which often have candy-like scents, serve as a gateway to nicotine addiction for youth. Senator Janeen Sollman, a strong supporter of the bill, also advocates for installing vaping smoke detectors in high school bathrooms to combat the increasing…