Entries by Matthew Ma

Kazakhstan’s Vape Ban Fuels Thriving Black Market Within a Year

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. […]

UAE Approves Nicotine Pouches, Inspired by Sweden’s Success

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 Crackdown on Illegal Online Vaping Sales

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 […]

How UK Retailers Should Prepare for the Single-Use Vapes Ban

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.

Russian Deputy Proposes Total Ban on Vape-Related Content on Social Media

Bryansk Regional Duma Deputy Mikhail Ivanov has called for a comprehensive ban on vaping-related content across social media platforms in Russia. In an appeal to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko, Ivanov highlighted concerns over the uncontrolled promotion of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) online and its impact on youth.

New York’s Proposed Ban on Flavored Nicotine Pouches Stalls

New York’s efforts to ban flavored nicotine pouches, such as Zyn, have hit a roadblock due to intense lobbying from the tobacco industry and its allies. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, aimed to prohibit most flavored pouches, except for menthol, in an effort to prevent marketing to […]

Greece’s Proposed Vape Flavor Ban Threatens Public Health Progress

Consumer advocates and vaping organizations from Greece and across Europe are raising concerns over the Greek Ministry of Health’s proposed ban on all vape flavors except tobacco and menthol. The Greek Vapers’ Alliance and the World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) warn that this measure could undermine the country’s significant progress in reducing smoking rates and jeopardize […]