Entries by Matthew Ma

Philippines House Approves Two Tobacco Bills to Combat Tax Losses and Smuggling

The Philippines House of Representatives has passed two critical bills aimed at addressing revenue losses and smuggling in the tobacco and vaping industries. House Bill 11360, which seeks to rationalize excise tax rates, and House Bill 11286, which mandates a track-and-trace system for tobacco products, both cleared their final readings with overwhelming support.

Michigan Governor Proposes New Tax on Vapes and Nicotine Pouches

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed a new 32% wholesale tax on nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches. The tax would align these products with existing levies on most tobacco items, closing what state officials call a “loophole” in current regulations. The move aims to reduce nicotine consumption, particularly among youth, while generating […]

Nebraska Proposes 20% Tax on Vapes and Nicotine Alternatives

Nebraska State Senator Jana Hughes has introduced LB 125, a bill that seeks to impose a 20% sales tax on alternative nicotine products and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). The legislation aims to bring these products under the same regulatory and taxation framework as traditional cigarettes and other tobacco products.

9 Out of 10 Smokers Quit or Reduce Smoking Through Vaping in Spain

A recent study conducted by the Union of Promoters and Entrepreneurs of Vaping (UPEV) and Sigma Dos reveals that vaping has helped 90% of users either quit traditional tobacco or significantly reduce their consumption. The report, titled ‘Habit and Use of Electronic Cigarettes,’ surveyed vapers across four Spanish cities—Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. It also found that […]

Mexico’s Vape Ban: Congress and States Must Harmonize Laws by 2025

Mexico has recently amended its Constitution to include a ban on vaping devices and electronic cigarettes, igniting a heated debate between supporters and opponents. Both sides are urging the federal Congress and state legislatures to enact regulatory laws to align existing legal frameworks with the new constitutional provision.

Trump and RFK Jr.: A Call to Revolutionize Tobacco Regulation

The new administration under President Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presents a pivotal opportunity to address one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States: smoking. By reforming the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the administration could make it easier for smokers to access safer alternatives like e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, […]

Taiwan Implements Strict Vaping Ban with Hefty Fines

Taiwan has officially enforced a vaping ban following amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. The National Police Agency confirmed that individuals caught vaping can now face on-the-spot fines of up to TWD 10,000 (approximately $330). This move aims to curb the use of e-cigarettes and heated-tobacco products across the country.

Osaka Bans Smoking and Vaping on Streets with Fines

Osaka, Japan, has announced a new policy prohibiting smoking on all city streets, effective January 27, 2025. The ban covers all forms of smoking, including conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices, which were previously less regulated in certain areas. With a population of approximately 2.75 million, Osaka is now one of Japan’s largest cities to […]

South Dakota’s HB 1069 Aims to Curb Illegal Chinese Vape Imports

South Dakota lawmakers are taking action against the influx of unregulated vaping products from China with HB 1069, a bill designed to enforce stricter regulations on vapor products. Sponsored by State Representative Brian Mulder and Senator Sydney Davis, the legislation aims to ensure that vaping products sold in the state meet FDA standards and are free […]

French Parliament Moves Towards Banning Disposable Vapes

On February 4th, French deputies unanimously voted in favor of a bill aimed at banning disposable e-cigarettes, commonly known as “puffs.” The legislation, sponsored by several elected officials including Francesca Paquini and Michel Lauzzana, seeks to combat the proliferation of these single-use devices.