Montana has enacted Senate Bill 390, a new state law that expands the existing Clean Indoor Air Act to prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) in most indoor public places and workplaces. This change, sponsored by Sen. Willis Curdy (D-Missoula) and signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte in May, effectively makes “smoke-free” also mean “vape-free” across the state.

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Philippine Senator Win Gatchalian has emphasized the need for a dedicated law to further regulate the sale, packaging, advertisement, and distribution of e-cigarettes, vapes, and other electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems (ENDS/ENNDS) in the country. His call comes amidst growing global concerns over the safety of these products, highlighted by issues faced by companies like Juul Labs in the United States.

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Belarus has developed a draft law proposing new comprehensive rules for the circulation of nicotine-containing products, including electronic cigarettes (vapes) and their liquids. The bill, titled “On Tobacco Raw Materials, Tobacco, Non-Tobacco Nicotine-Containing Products, Electronic Smoking Systems and Liquids for Them, Systems for Tobacco Consumption,” aims to define key terms, establish regulatory scope, and outline state control measures for production, trade, and consumption.

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The British government has formally contacted major supermarket chains Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, instructing them to cease all in-store advertising and promotion of heated tobacco products (HTPs). According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), such promotions, which have included posters and video screens for devices like Philip Morris International’s (PMI) IQOS, are in breach of the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002.

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Kenya’s Ministry of Health is cracking down on tobacco packaging, mandating that all products display prominent graphic health warnings (GHWs), including images and pictograms, as stipulated in Section 21 of the Tobacco Control Act. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale issued a stern warning to tobacco manufacturers, importers, and distributors, emphasizing full compliance with these new regulations.

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Italy is bolstering its regulations on electronic cigarette sales, with a strong emphasis on preventing access for individuals under the age of 18. New legislative measures effective from 2025 aim to close existing loopholes and strengthen enforcement against underage vaping, a response to growing public health concerns and instances of non-compliance with the established legal purchase age of 18.

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Vietnam’s Ministry of Health is proposing significant fines for the use of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and other new-generation tobacco items, along with the mandatory destruction of such products if found in violation. The draft decree, currently under public consultation, aims to amend existing regulations to strengthen enforcement against these devices, which are already banned for sale in the country.

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France has delayed the implementation of its stringent ban on nicotine pouches until at least August 25th, following formal objections from seven European Union member states. The ban, which was originally scheduled to take effect on May 26th, would have prohibited the production, sale, import, export, possession, and use of these oral nicotine products, treating them as “poisonous substances” with severe penalties.

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New Zealand has implemented a significant overhaul of its vaping regulations, with a nationwide ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes taking effect from Jun 17. This move, accompanied by stringent new restrictions on the display and advertising of all vaping products, marks a decisive step by the government to tackle the escalating issue of youth vaping and the environmental concerns associated with single-use devices. While public health advocates largely welcome the changes, the vaping industry expresses concerns about potential unintended consequences, including a possible resurgence in smoking and the growth of an illicit market.

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The global e-cigarette and vape market has experienced a meteoric rise, transforming from a niche curiosity into a multi-billion dollar industry with continued growth projected worldwide. For U.S. businesses looking to tap into this international demand, the opportunities are significant. However, venturing abroad with vape products in 2025 means navigating an increasingly complex and often fragmented landscape of international regulations. Understanding and meticulously adhering to these diverse global vape regulations is not merely advisable; it’s an absolute necessity for successful market entry, sustained operations, and building a trustworthy international brand. This guide provides an essential overview of the global status of e-cigarette bans and regulations as of May 2025, offering critical insights for U.S. businesses aiming for international compliance.

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