Entries by Matthew Ma

Germany Calls for EU-Wide Ban on Disposable Vapes

Following the planned ban on disposable vapes in the United Kingdom starting in 2025, the German Federal Environment Ministry (BMUV) advocates for an EU-wide regulation in this area. Alongside the BMUV, the German Environmental Aid (DUH) also demands a consistent ban on these products due to their environmental impact and effects on the health of […]

Scotland Postpones Disposable Vape Ban to June 1, 2025

The Scottish government has announced a two-month delay in implementing the ban on selling single-use vapes, aligning the effective date with the rest of the UK. The new legislation at Westminster will prohibit the sale of disposable vapes starting June 1, 2025. Although the Scottish Parliament had previously passed regulations to enforce the ban from […]

Vietnam Ministry Researching E-Cigarette, Heated Tobacco Management

The National Assembly has recorded many concerns from deputies about the immeasurable harm of new generation tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. In response, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is researching and developing a Decree on tobacco business to replace Decree No. 67/2013/ND-CP.

Poland Prepares to Ban Disposable and Flavored Vapes

Poland’s Deputy Minister of Health, Wojciech Konieczny, announced during a parliamentary health committee meeting that a comprehensive and radical bill banning disposable vapes is ready. The proposed legislation would also eliminate all flavored e-cigarettes from the market, regardless of their form. While the exact timeline for further deliberation remains unclear, this proposal aligns with the […]

Malaysian Ministry Reminds Vape Retailers to Ensure Sirim Certification for Products

Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Ministry to Collaborate with Sirim for Certification The Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Ministry has reminded all electronic cigarette or vape device retailers to ensure their products have the Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (Sirim) certification mark. Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali stated that the ministry […]

Pakistan Mirpur District Bans Vapes, Hookah Pens, and Tar Ice

The district administration of Mirpur, AJK, imposed an immediate ban on the sale and use of various latest smoking items, including vapes, hookah pens, and tar ice, on Monday. Deputy Commissioner Yasar Riaz Chaudhry ordered the ban in response to recommendations from the Deputy Drug Controller and State Health authorities.

Proposed Vaping Tax in France Sparks Controversy, Debate Heats Up

New Amendment Seeks to Impose €0.15/ml Tax on E-Liquids A new amendment to the 2025 budget has proposed a €0.15/ml tax on e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes, set to take effect in March 2025. The proposal, put forth by deputies from the Liot and EPR groups, has already sparked a fierce debate among vaping advocates […]

Bangladesh to Ban Vapes, E-Cigarettes Under Stricter Tobacco Ordinance

The interim government of Bangladesh is set to enact a new ordinance with stricter tobacco control measures, primarily targeting the sale and use of vapes and e-cigarettes. The draft ordinance, titled “The Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products (Control) Ordinance, 2024,” also includes provisions banning loose cigarettes, bidis, and chewing tobacco (zarda). The ordinance is […]

UK Vape Taxes: What Retailers Need to Know and How to Prepare

On 6th March 2024, Jeremy Hunt delivered a blow to UK vape businesses by announcing a vape excise tax on e-liquid, set to take effect on 1st October 2026. The extent and complexity of the tax surprised many, despite rumors of its introduction. This article explores how the tax will work, its potential impact on […]