Entries by Matthew Ma

Austrian Tobacco Retailers Demand Nicotine Monopoly Law

As the European Union aims to significantly reduce tobacco consumption by 2040, Austrian tobacco retailers, known as Trafikanten, fear losing their primary source of income. In response, they are calling for a new law that would restrict the sale of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches exclusively to their shops.

Russian Communist Party Lawmakers Propose Total Ban on Vape Sales

On December 26, a group of deputies from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF) faction introduced a bill in the State Duma that would prohibit the wholesale and retail sale of vapes and e-liquids. The proposed legislation, authored by Evgeny Bessonov, Nikolay Kolomeytsev, and Alexey Kurinny, seeks to amend Article 19 of the […]

Thailand Proposes Stricter E-Cigarette Regulations

The chairman of the Thai parliamentary committee on e-cigarettes announced that the committee has completed its study on amending the country’s vaping laws. The committee will submit its report to parliament, proposing to elevate the legal controls on e-cigarette imports and possession.

Spain Introduces New Tax on E-Cigarettes and Related Products

On December 21, 2024, the Spanish government published Law 7/2024, which introduces a new tax on liquids for electronic cigarettes and other products related to tobacco (the “new Tax”). This law is part of a broader package of measures that also includes a Complementary Tax to comply with the EU’s Pillar Two directive on minimum […]

Irish Youth Smoke Less but Vape More Compared to EU Peers, Report Finds

A recent global report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revealed that 15-year-olds in Ireland have the lowest smoking rates in the European Union (EU) at just 7%. However, the same report also found that Ireland ranks fourth highest in the EU for regular vaping among young people.

Department of Trade and Industry Registers 10 Vape Firms in 2024

Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that approximately 10 companies involved in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of vape products have registered with the department in 2024. These accredited vape firms have met the standards established by the Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine […]

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New Zealand Update Smokefree Laws to Ban Disposable Vape

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 […]

Illinois Implements New E-Cigarette Restrictions Starting January 1

Illinois will enforce new laws placing additional restrictions on electronic cigarettes beginning January 1. The legislation aims to address concerns about the accessibility and appeal of e-cigarettes to minors. One law prohibits the advertising, marketing, or promotion of e-cigarettes in a manner that may cause confusion with non-tobacco products. State Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Lake Forest, […]

GSTHR Report Finds Vapes Help Smokers Quit in New Zealand

GSTHR Briefing Paper Showcases Aotearoa New Zealand’s Smoking Cessation Success Through Vaping The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR), a project from public health agency Knowledge·Action·Change (KAC), has released its latest Briefing Paper, which sheds light on Aotearoa New Zealand’s remarkable journey towards achieving “smokefree” status. The report, titled “Pro-consumer laws and an endorsement […]