The UK government’s plan to ban disposable vapes, set to take effect on June 1, may not be as effective in reducing overall vaping rates as hoped, according to a recent study by researchers at University College London (UCL). The study, funded by Cancer Research UK, suggests that there has been a “shift away” from disposable vapes since the ban was announced, with more people opting for refillable and reusable devices instead.

Read more

The Alabama House of Representatives has passed a bill to reinforce the state’s existing law prohibiting the sale of vape products to individuals under 21. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile), aims to address the lack of funding for enforcement and the presence of unsafe products in the market.

Read more

In the wake of Utah’s ban on flavored vape products, many residents are finding themselves crossing state lines to purchase their preferred nicotine brands. The Juicity Vapor shop in Evanston, Wyoming, has seen a significant influx of Utah customers, with cars from various counties like Weber, Utah, and Sanpete pulling into the parking lot.

Read more

The regulation of vaping products across Europe presents a complex and often confusing picture for consumers, travelers, and businesses. While the European Union provides a baseline framework through its Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), individual nations – both EU members and non-members – have implemented a diverse array of national laws. This creates a patchwork of rules governing everything from product legality and sales restrictions to flavor availability, taxation, and where vaping is permitted. As of 2025, key trends include increasing restrictions on flavors and disposable devices, alongside a growing number of countries introducing specific excise taxes on vape products. This overview synthesizes the current state of vape regulations across Europe, drawing on official sources to provide clarity on this dynamic environment.

Read more

A new report warns that Labour leader Keir Starmer’s proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill could result in the closure of approximately 7,700 corner shops and off licences, impacting 70,000 jobs across the UK.

Read more

The Maldives cabinet has decided to implement a generational tobacco ban for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007. Under this ban, the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco will be prohibited for those falling under this age category. The ban is set to come into effect on November 1, 2025, following a six-month period allocated for enforcement authorities to revise existing regulations in line with the amended law.

Read more

Australia is grappling with a rapidly expanding illicit tobacco market, a crisis marked by stark price discrepancies, lost tax revenue, and escalating organized crime. While a legal pack of 20 cigarettes costs around AUD $40 due to massive tax hikes, black market alternatives flood the streets for as little as AUD $15. This underground economy isn’t just about cheap smokes; it’s increasingly linked to violent crime, including extortion rackets and arson attacks targeting retailers involved in the trade. This alarming situation raises critical questions: are Australia’s tobacco control policies inadvertently fueling the very problems they aim to solve?

Read more

Japan offers a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, attracting visitors and businesses from around the globe. However, when it comes to vaping, the country employs a unique and often complex regulatory system that differs significantly from many other nations. Understanding these laws is crucial, whether you’re a consumer, a traveler planning a visit, or a business operating in the alternative products space. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Japan’s vaping regulations as of April 2025, covering rules for nicotine and non-nicotine products, industry requirements, public use restrictions, and essential advice for travelers.

Read more

Hong Kong maintains one of the world’s most stringent regulatory environments for electronic cigarettes (vapes) and related devices, collectively termed Alternative Smoking Products (ASPs). Since April 30, 2022, a comprehensive ban has prohibited the import, manufacture, sale, distribution, and promotion of these products within the city. This decisive action reflects the Hong Kong government’s strong commitment to public health, aiming to curb the adoption of new smoking products, particularly among youth, and reduce overall smoking prevalence. Further restrictions are already planned, signaling an even tighter regulatory future. This guide provides an analysis of the current laws, penalties, rules for travelers, and upcoming changes impacting vapes and other ASPs in Hong Kong as of April 2025.

Read more

The Philippines Department of Health (DOH) leadership strongly reaffirmed the agency’s opposition to tobacco and vape products during a meeting with health advocates on Thursday, April 10th. DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa and Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo met with representatives from HealthJustice Philippines to discuss the nation’s commitment to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Read more