Entries by Matthew Ma

New Jersey Proposes $51 Million Tax Hike on Tobacco and Vapes

Governor Phil Murphy has unveiled a new tax proposal that would significantly increase the cost of cigarettes and vaping products in New Jersey. The tax hikes, part of the state’s budget plan, are expected to generate $51 million in annual revenue. Key Tax Increases Under the Proposal Murphy’s administration justifies the tax hikes as a […]

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UK‘s Smoke-Free Generation Bill Faces Big Tobacco Pushback

As the Tobacco and Vapes Bill moves closer to becoming law, major tobacco firms are ramping up their opposition, employing familiar lobbying tactics to resist stricter regulations. The bill, set to return to Parliament this week, aims to ban cigarette sales to anyone born after 2009, gradually phasing out tobacco products nationwide.

UK Allocates £10M to Combat Illicit Tobacco and Vaping Products

The UK government announced on March 23 that it will provide £10 million in funding to Trading Standards to support local enforcement efforts against illicit tobacco and vaping products. The new funding will enable the addition of 80 trainee enforcement officers to prevent harmful products from entering community stores and to curb underage purchases.

Icelandic Teens Lead Nordic Countries in Nicotine Pouch Use

A recent study by the Nordic Welfare Centre, spanning data from 2018 to 2024, has revealed that nearly 33 percent of Icelandic youth are now using nicotine pouches, marking the highest rate among Nordic countries. Despite this alarming trend, smoking rates remain remarkably low in Iceland, with only 6.6 percent of young people reported as […]

Thailand E-Cigarette Ban: Heavy Fines & Jail Time

Thailand has ramped up its crackdown on electronic cigarettes, blocking thousands of online platforms and imposing severe penalties on violators. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan announced that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) is actively shutting down e-cigarette sales across social media and websites. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s […]

Thailand Moves Closer to E-Cigarette Legalization

Thailand has taken a significant step towards the potential legalization of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) as the Thai Parliament recently acknowledged a report from the Ad Hoc Committee on E-Cigarettes. The report, which thoroughly examined the issue of e-cigarette regulation in the country, found that the majority of committee members support ending the […]

South Australia Introduces Harsher Penalties for Illegal Vape Trade

The Malinauskas Labor Government of South Australia has introduced new legislation to State Parliament, granting police greater powers and implementing tougher penalties to crack down on the illegal tobacco and vape trade. The new laws, developed in consultation with Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, aim to reduce criminal activity and protect the community from the risks […]

Russian Business Leaders Advocate Vaping Regulation Over Ban

As the Russian State Duma prepares to consider a bill that would completely ban electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), business representatives and industry experts are voicing their opposition. They argue that a total ban would not effectively address the issues at hand and would instead create new risks and threats to the market.

Paraguay’s Lower House Toughens Stance on Vaping Regulation

The Chamber of Deputies in Paraguay has decided to partially uphold its original version of a bill aimed at regulating electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and similar devices. The decision comes amidst growing concerns about the health risks associated with vaping, particularly among young people who may be unaware of the long-term effects.