Entries by Matthew Ma

Guide to Preparing Your Store for the UK Disposable Vape Ban

As a retailer in the UK, you’ve likely heard about the impending ban on disposable vapes, set to take effect on June 1, 2025. This regulatory change will have a significant impact on the convenience store sector, as disposable vapes have become a major revenue driver in recent years. In 2024 alone, the top 25 […]

Vaping Industry Faces Turmoil Under FDA and Trump

The $22 billion global vaping industry is already embroiled in a complex battle involving regulators, Big Tobacco, and startups. With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the market is poised to become even more chaotic. The industry, which thrives on innovation and consumer demand, faces increasing scrutiny from the FDA and state-level crackdowns on […]

Texas State Senator Reintroduces Bill to Prohibit Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products

S.B. 1182 Aims to Ban Flavored Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Other Tobacco Items Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) has once again introduced legislation that would ban the sale of flavored tobacco products throughout the state. On Friday, February 5, 2025, Sen. Alvarado filed S.B. 1182, which closely resembles a similar bill she proposed in 2023.

Hong Kong to Ban E-Cigarettes in Public by Mid-2026

Hong Kong is set to enforce a ban on the possession and use of e-cigarettes in public spaces as early as mid-2026. This move comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to protect youth and further reduce smoking rates across the city.

South Korea’s Synthetic Nicotine Regulation Bill Stalls Amid Opposition

A bill seeking to regulate synthetic nicotine products, which make up a significant portion of the e-liquid vaping market, failed to pass the subcommittee stage of the South Korean National Assembly’s Planning and Finance Committee. The proposed amendment to the Tobacco Business Act aimed to expand the definition of tobacco products to include synthetic nicotine.

Scotland Launches New Platform for Tobacco, Vape Retailer Registration

ePass System Aims to Enhance Enforcement of Age-Restricted Product Regulations Edinburgh-based software company Zudu has introduced a new nationwide platform called ePass to modernize the registration process for tobacco and vape retailers in Scotland. Developed as part of the Scottish Government’s CivTech innovation and technology accelerator program, the ePass system seeks to provide a more […]

South Carolina Lawmakers Propose Bill to Regulate Vaping Products

South Carolina lawmakers are once again pushing for stricter regulation of vaping products in the state. A new bill, similar to one that passed the Senate unanimously in 2023(H.3681) but stalled in the House, would introduce significant changes to how electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), commonly known as vapes, are sold and marketed.

Tobacco and Vapes Bill Raises Concerns Over “Big Puff” Disposable Vapes

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, set to be considered by MPs, has drawn criticism for potentially approving a new super-size disposable vape known as “Big Puff.” Amendments in the bill, proposed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), would allow these devices to hold up to six times more e-liquid than current disposable […]

Proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill in England Considers Licensing Fees

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill in England, which aims to regulate the sale of tobacco and vaping products, is currently making its way through the legislative process. Having completed the Committee stage in the House of Commons, the bill will next move to the Report Stage and 3rd Reading, with dates yet to be determined.