Mexico Nationwide Ban on E-Cigarettes Takes Effect

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Mexico has officially prohibited the production, marketing, and distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices nationwide. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the comprehensive ban as a critical measure to protect public health, marking a significant shift in the country’s health policies.

The new law, which took effect on January 18, 2025, criminalizes all activities related to e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and similar systems. This includes the manufacturing, distribution, and disposal of harmful substances, as well as the unauthorized use of synthetic drugs like fentanyl. The legislation supersedes any conflicting administrative or regulatory provisions, ensuring consistent enforcement throughout the country.

President Sheinbaum emphasized that the ban guarantees the constitutional right to health for all citizens. The legislation aligns with amendments made to Articles 4 and 5 of Mexico’s Political Constitution, which the Chamber of Deputies passed with an overwhelming majority in December 2024.

The decree requires Congress and federal legislative bodies to align their legal frameworks with the new regulations within specific timelines. Congress has 180 days to update relevant laws, while federal entities must make necessary adjustments within a year to ensure uniform enforcement nationwide.

While many support the ban as a crucial public health measure, critics have raised concerns about potential unintended consequences. Salomón Chertorivski, former Health Minister and head of the Public Health Advisory Council in Jalisco, suggested that regulating the industry could have been a more effective approach. He argued that requiring manufacturers to disclose harmful chemicals in their products might have better informed consumers and limited risks. Chertorivski warned that an outright ban could fuel a black market for vaping devices, potentially exacerbating public health dangers by increasing access to unregulated products.

As Mexico navigates this new era of e-cigarette prohibition, the long-term impact of the ban on public health and the vaping industry remains to be seen.

Kentucky Implements New Vape Regulations: What You Need to Know

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Understanding the Impact of House Bill 11 on Kentucky’s Vaping Industry

On January 1, 2025, Kentucky’s House Bill 11, informally known as the “Kentucky vape ban,” went into effect. The new law, which passed during the 2024 legislative session, aims to curb the sale of electronic cigarettes to young people and address the state’s “vaping epidemic.”

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Dallas Expands Smoking Ban to Include Vaping

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The Dallas City Council has officially approved the expansion of the city’s smoking laws to include vaping and the use of electronic devices. This significant move aims to prohibit vaping in the same areas where traditional smoking is already banned. The new rules, which will take effect on December 11, 2025, after a one-year grace period for businesses to comply, are designed to ensure that all residents can enjoy cleaner air and a more pleasant environment.

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Philippines DTI Enforces Regulations on Vape and HTP

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has begun implementing regulations on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, as well as Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), in line with DAO No. 22-06 (2022) and DAO No. 24-02 (2024). The DTI mandates businesses to obtain a valid Philippine Standard (PS) License for all covered products by December 31, 2024.

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Mexican Permanent Commission Declares E-Cigarette and Fentanyl Ban Constitutional

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Constitutional Reforms Prohibit E-Cigarettes, Vaping Devices, and Illicit Fentanyl Use

The Permanent Commission of the Congress of the Union, in its session on Wednesday, declared the addition of a fifth paragraph to Article 4 and a second paragraph to Article 5 of the Political Constitution, which prohibit electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and the illicit use of fentanyl.

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Belarus Considers Stricter Regulations on Smoking and Vaping

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Belarus plans to introduce tougher regulations for the smoking and vaping industry, as outlined in a new draft law on the regulation of the tobacco market and nicotine-containing products. The proposed legislation, currently open for public discussion, also seeks to ban smoking on the doorsteps of multi-story buildings and nearby areas.

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Uzbekistan’s E-Cigarette Ban to Cover Vapes, Not Heated Tobacco Products

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Uzbekistan’s impending ban on the circulation of electronic cigarettes will encompass vapes but not heated tobacco products, according to Health Minister Asilbek Khudayarov. The minister made this clarification during a session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on January 7.

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FDA Releases Final Guidance on Analytical Testing Methods for Tobacco Product Applications

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a final guidance titled “Validation and Verification of Analytical Testing Methods Used for Tobacco Products.” This guidance provides tobacco manufacturers with information and recommendations to support their tobacco product application submissions, including premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs), substantial equivalence (SE) reports, and modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) applications.

The guidance outlines how manufacturers can provide the FDA with validated and verified data for the analytical procedures and test methods used in their application submissions. This information is crucial for companies seeking to legally market new tobacco products or modified risk tobacco products in the United States, as they must first submit an application to and receive authorization from the FDA.

Updating and Revising Draft Guidance

The FDA previously issued a draft version of this guidance in 2021, allowing the public to comment on its content. The agency considered these comments and made several changes in the final guidance, including:

  • Updating the definition of “tobacco product” to include non-tobacco nicotine
  • Revising the document to reflect provisions from the final PMTA and SE rules
  • Updating and adding definitions for several terms
  • Including updated examples for alternative validation approaches

The recommendations in the guidance are non-binding and do not establish legally enforceable responsibilities. The FDA acknowledges that there may be alternative validation procedures that differ from those outlined in the guidance, such as different statistical tests.

Commitment to Providing Resources

For applicants seeking to market new tobacco products, the FDA remains committed to providing information and resources, including this latest guidance. The agency has issued final regulations, such as the PMTA final rule, and regularly posts additional resources, such as application tips and webinars, on its website and social media channels.

As the vaping industry continues to evolve and navigate the regulatory landscape, it is essential for manufacturers to stay informed about the latest guidance and requirements from the FDA. By following the recommendations outlined in this guidance, manufacturers can ensure that their tobacco product applications contain scientifically valid information, increasing the likelihood of a successful submission.

Philippines Issues New Regulation on Mandatory Certification of E-Cigarettes and Non-Nicotine Products

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Department Administrative Order No. 24-11 Updates Testing and Certification Process

The Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (OSMV) under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines issued Supplemental Technical Regulations Department Administrative Order No. 24-11 on January 2, 2025. This order aims to regulate the mandatory product certification of e-cigarettes and non-nicotine products.

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New Zealand Update Smokefree Laws to Ban Disposable Vape

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The New Zealand government has implemented significant changes to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products 1990 Act, aiming to better protect children and young people from the potential harms of vaping. These amendments introduce stricter regulations on advertising, retail display, penalties for selling to minors, and a ban on disposable vaping devices. The new measures come into force in two stages, with some taking effect immediately and others after a six-month grace period to allow retailers to adapt to the new requirements.

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