Russian State Duma Speaker Proposes Ban on Vapes and E-Liquids

Vyacheslav Volodin, the Chairman of the State Duma (the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia), has suggested preparing a cross-faction legislative initiative to ban vapes and e-liquids. The proposal aims to introduce the ban before the end of the current session.

Currently, two draft laws on this topic are under preparation for the first reading in the State Duma Committee on Health Protection. However, considering that nearly all factions have expressed the need for a complete ban on the sale of vapes, Volodin believes it would be appropriate to develop a corresponding cross-faction initiative.

Polish Government Approves Bill Banning Sale of All E-Cigarettes to Minors

On January 21/2025, the Polish government approved a bill that would prohibit the sale of all disposable and reusable e-cigarettes, including nicotine-free varieties and nicotine pouches, to individuals under the age of 18. Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna emphasized that the proposed amendments to the Act on the Protection of Health Against the Consequences of Using Tobacco and Tobacco Products would also ban the use of nicotine-free e-cigarettes in the same manner as nicotine-containing e-cigarettes.

Key provisions of the bill include:

  • Banning the sale of tobacco products, nicotine pouches, electronic cigarettes, and spare containers to minors
  • Prohibiting the sale of nicotine-free e-cigarettes in vending machines and online, as well as their advertising
  • Extending existing restrictions on the use of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes in public places, such as educational institutions and public transport stops, to nicotine-free devices
  • Requiring nicotine-free and nicotine-containing e-liquid compositions to comply with current regulations, excluding mutagenic, carcinogenic, and reproductive function-affecting substances

The proposed measures must be notified to the European Commission, a process that takes three months. Minister Leszczyna expressed hope that after this period, the Sejm (lower house of the Polish parliament) would unanimously adopt the regulations. The provisions related to the sale of e-cigarettes to minors would come into force 14 days after the publication of the amended act.

The bill also allows electronic cigarettes and spare containers that do not meet the new requirements to remain on the market for no longer than six months from the date the law enters into force.

A separate bill approved by the government prohibits the introduction of flavored heated tobacco products into the market. Producers and sellers would have nine months to comply with the new regulations after they come into effect.

Hawaii Proposes First-in-Nation Nicotine Limits for Tobacco Products

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Hawaii could become the first U.S. state to set nicotine limits for tobacco products under a new bill introduced in the state legislature. Sen. Chris Lee, D-Kailua, proposed S.B. 1165 last Friday, just days after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced it was considering a similar nationwide standard.

The Hawaii bill, which is less than half a page long, would direct the state’s Department of Health to determine “safe levels” of nicotine in products sold within the state. However, it does not provide any guidance on what those levels should be or which specific products would be affected.

In contrast, the FDA’s proposal is seeking public comment on a potential standard of 0.7 mg of nicotine per gram of tobacco. According to the agency, the average nicotine content for the “top 100 cigarette brands” in 2017 was 17.2 mg per gram.

The federal proposal, which is facing legal challenges, would exempt “premium cigars” that meet an eight-part definition, including requirements for whole leaf wrappers and binders and no characterizing flavors other than tobacco. The Hawaii bill, as currently written, would likely apply to premium cigars as well.

If passed, the Hawaii legislation could have significant implications for the tobacco and vaping industries, as well as consumers who use nicotine products. Supporters argue that limiting nicotine levels could help reduce addiction and improve public health, while critics claim it would infringe on personal freedom and drive users to the black market.

As the first state-level proposal of its kind, Hawaii’s bill is likely to face intense scrutiny and debate in the coming months. Its fate could also be influenced by the progress of the FDA’s national nicotine standard, which is expected to face a lengthy rule-making process and potential legal challenges.

Luxembourg Continues to Allow Sale of Disposable E-Cigarettes

Despite recent bans on the sale of single-use electronic cigarettes in Belgium and potential similar measures in France, Luxembourg has decided to continue allowing these products to be sold within its borders. The country’s Ministry of Health confirmed that a prohibition on these devices, which are particularly popular among youth, is not currently under consideration.

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UK Government Issues Guidance on Upcoming Ban of Single-Use Vapes

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The UK government has released official guidance detailing its plan to prohibit the sale of single-use, disposable vaping devices starting from June 1, 2025. This comprehensive ban will make it illegal for businesses to sell, offer for sale, or possess for the purpose of selling any vaping products designed for single use only. The new regulations apply to all such devices, whether or not they contain nicotine, and cover both online and physical retail sales across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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Russia Bans Additives in Smokeless Tobacco Products

The Russian government has recently enacted a new decree limiting the use of additives in smokeless tobacco products as part of its efforts to promote a healthier lifestyle. This step forward in the fight against tobacco addiction and related diseases demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving public health and creating a safer environment for all citizens, especially minors.

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New Jersey Warns 11,000 Businesses Against Selling Flavored Vape Products

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has issued warnings to nearly 11,000 businesses, reminding them that selling flavored vape products is illegal in the state. Attorney General Matthew Platkin directed retailers to cease any such sales immediately, emphasizing that New Jersey became the first state in the U.S. to permanently ban the sale and distribution of all vape products with a flavor, taste, or aroma other than tobacco in 2020.

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Polish Government to Introduce Excise Tax on Reusable E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Pouches

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The Polish government is set to discuss a draft amendment to the Excise Tax Act, which proposes extending the excise tax to additional nicotine-containing products, including reusable e-cigarettes, HTPs, and nicotine pouches. The amendment also seeks to broaden the definition of so-called “innovative products.”

According to the draft’s Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA), the excise tax rate for vaporization devices, such as reusable e-cigarettes, HTPs, and multifunctional devices, will be set at 40 PLN per unit. For reusable devices, the 40 PLN excise tax will be paid once, and the device can be refilled with liquid or used for vaporizing innovative products multiple times. Considering the average lifespan of vaporization devices is about two years, the excise tax included in the selling price will be spread over the entire period of use.

The RIA also states that excise tax rates for nicotine pouches and other nicotine products will be subject to a “roadmap,” with the rate set at 150 PLN/kg in 2025, 200 PLN/kg in 2026, and a target rate of 250 PLN/kg in 2027.

The Ministry of Finance estimates that the state budget revenues from the amendment will amount to 82.5 million PLN in 2025 and 433.7 million PLN in 2026. From 2027 to 2034, the annual revenue is expected to reach 524.7 million PLN, totaling over 4.71 billion PLN over the decade.

The draft’s authors expect the changes to limit the affordability of vaporization devices, particularly disposable e-cigarettes, especially for the younger population who are beginning to use addictive substances that lead to irreversible health damage.

The revised definition of innovative products in the proposed amendment recognizes products designed to deliver aerosol to the human body, generated by heating the contained tobacco without combustion, in specially adapted devices (heaters).

Currently, the Excise Tax Act defines innovative products as those containing tobacco. However, the authors of the amendment note that non-tobacco products, both with and without nicotine, have emerged on the market, which do not fall under the current definition of innovative products and, thus, are not subject to excise tax. These products often replace tobacco with any suitable raw material, most often plant-based, such as tea, hemp, or rooibos. Consequently, the need has arisen to include these products in the excise tax system by adapting the current definition of innovative products to the changes in the market for tobacco product substitutes.

As the Polish government prepares to discuss the draft amendment, the vaping industry and consumers alike will closely monitor the potential impact of the proposed excise tax on the accessibility and affordability of reusable e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.

Mexico Nationwide Ban on E-Cigarettes Takes Effect

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Mexico has officially prohibited the production, marketing, and distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices nationwide. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the comprehensive ban as a critical measure to protect public health, marking a significant shift in the country’s health policies.

The new law, which took effect on January 18, 2025, criminalizes all activities related to e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and similar systems. This includes the manufacturing, distribution, and disposal of harmful substances, as well as the unauthorized use of synthetic drugs like fentanyl. The legislation supersedes any conflicting administrative or regulatory provisions, ensuring consistent enforcement throughout the country.

President Sheinbaum emphasized that the ban guarantees the constitutional right to health for all citizens. The legislation aligns with amendments made to Articles 4 and 5 of Mexico’s Political Constitution, which the Chamber of Deputies passed with an overwhelming majority in December 2024.

The decree requires Congress and federal legislative bodies to align their legal frameworks with the new regulations within specific timelines. Congress has 180 days to update relevant laws, while federal entities must make necessary adjustments within a year to ensure uniform enforcement nationwide.

While many support the ban as a crucial public health measure, critics have raised concerns about potential unintended consequences. Salomón Chertorivski, former Health Minister and head of the Public Health Advisory Council in Jalisco, suggested that regulating the industry could have been a more effective approach. He argued that requiring manufacturers to disclose harmful chemicals in their products might have better informed consumers and limited risks. Chertorivski warned that an outright ban could fuel a black market for vaping devices, potentially exacerbating public health dangers by increasing access to unregulated products.

As Mexico navigates this new era of e-cigarette prohibition, the long-term impact of the ban on public health and the vaping industry remains to be seen.

Belarus Holds Public Discussion on Proposed Vaping Regulations

The Belarusian state food industry concern Bellegpishcheprom has recently concluded a public discussion on a draft law that seeks to tighten requirements for the production, circulation, and consumption of non-tobacco nicotine-containing products, liquids, and tobacco smoking systems. According to Office Life, the results of the discussion have been published on the Legal Forum of Belarus.

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