With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.
The Maldives Ministry of Health announced Sunday (April.19) that applications are now open for mandatory new Tobacco Sales Licenses. Under a recent amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, all wholesale and retail sellers of tobacco products must secure this specific license from the ministry, in addition to existing trade licenses.
Arkansas has enacted a sweeping new law regulating vaping products, becoming the 12th U.S. state to adopt a PMTA registry model. However, Act 590 (formerly Senate Bill 252), signed into law by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders on April 14, 2025, includes a highly controversial provision rarely seen in Western democracies: a ban on the personal […]
According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, state governments in Malaysia have the authority to ban the sale of vape or e-cigarettes through local councils. He explained that states are empowered by local regulations to control the sale of such devices within their jurisdictions.
Australia’s recent budgetary woes, with tobacco excise tax revenue nearly halved since 2019 and estimated cumulative losses of A$10 billion (€5.6 billion) by 2029, have been tied to the country’s thriving black markets for tobacco and nicotine products. Experts warn that this illicit trade boom is a direct consequence of Australia’s draconian approach to vaping […]
A year has passed since Kazakhstan enacted a sweeping ban on the sale, manufacture, and distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices on April 19, 2024. The legislation, which carries penalties ranging from fines and arrests to imprisonment and property confiscation for large-scale trafficking, aimed to curb the growing popularity of vaping, particularly among minors. […]
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has given the green light to the sale of synthetic nicotine pouches, subject to sellers adhering to government-set safety standards. The decision was made with the hope that introducing smoke-free nicotine alternatives to the market would help individuals quit smoking. Smoking rates in the UAE and the Middle East remain […]
Belgium’s ban on the online sale of tobacco products, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), has not deterred some sellers from continuing to offer these products through social media platforms and e-commerce marketplaces. In response, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Public Health is implementing strict enforcement measures to combat this illegal activity. The number of […]
The Russian government has approved plans by the Finance Ministry to raise the retail prices of cigarettes, vapes, and hookahs, as reported by the Kommersant newspaper. Starting from September 1, 2026, each tobacco retail facility in Russia will require a special license, which will cost up to 60,000 rubles per year, while a wholesale trade […]
Indiana lawmakers are grappling with a significant budget challenge as they face a $2.4 billion shortfall. To address this issue, a controversial proposal has emerged: doubling the state’s cigarette tax to $2 per pack.
UK retailers are on the cusp of significant legislative changes impacting tobacco and vape sales. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, having cleared the House of Commons and now undergoing scrutiny in the House of Lords, introduces two landmark measures: a ‘generational smoking ban’ (GSB) and a complete ban on disposable (single-use) vapes.