Entries by Matthew Ma

Russia Vape Regulation – State Duma Discusses Market Reform

As several bills aimed at significantly complicating the sale of electronic cigarettes in Russia are being discussed in the federal government and the State Duma (SD), industry experts warn that overly restrictive measures could drive the market underground, leading to illegal sales via messaging apps, the internet, or even from cardboard boxes on the street.

Vapes Increasingly Pushed Underground in the US and UK

Vaping products are being increasingly pushed underground in both the United States and the United Kingdom, as a new research highlights the growing consequences of poor regulatory decisions. This shift not only sends a negative message about harm reduction tools but also compromises consumer safety, as these products enter the unregulated market.

Poland Faces Two Conflicting Vape Bills Amid Government Chaos

Poland’s e-cigarette regulations have taken a chaotic turn as the Ministry of Health surprised everyone with a new draft bill proposing a complete ban on e-cigarette sales, despite an existing bill in the Sejm that only prohibits sales to minors and nicotine-free e-cigarettes. This legislative overproduction has left many questioning the government’s coordination and control […]

Gibraltar Proposes Smoke-Free Generation and Disposable Vape Ban

Gibraltar’s Minister for Health, Gemma Arias-Vasquez, has published a Command Paper outlining draft legislation that aims to create a smoke-free generation and regulate the sale of nicotine products. The proposed law would prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, effectively coming into force in 2027 when this group […]

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Belgium Bans Display of Tobacco Products in Shops Starting April 1

As of April 1/2025, retailers in Belgium are no longer allowed to display tobacco products at points of sale, following an amendment to the consumer health protection law of January 24, 1977. The ban encompasses cigarettes, cigars, rolling papers, water pipe tobacco, and e-cigarettes, and prohibits the sale of these products in food stores larger […]

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Malaysia Implements Ban on Open Display of Tobacco Products

As of 1/4/2025, Malaysia has put into effect a prohibition on displaying smoking products at point of sale counters, in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health (Sales Control) Regulations 2024. This move follows the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) […]