Health Minister Stresses Regulatory Control, Praises State-Level Restrictions
The Malaysian federal government is focusing on robust enforcement of existing laws to regulate vape products, with no immediate plans for a nationwide ban, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed. He highlighted the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 as the comprehensive legal framework guiding this approach.
Read moreRussian Republic Aligns Local Law with Federal Ban on Selling Smoking Mixtures to Minors
The Republic of Buryatia in Russia has strengthened its regulations against youth vaping, aligning local laws with federal standards to prohibit the retail sale of all types of smoking products – including tobacco-free and nicotine-free mixtures – to minors. This legislative move comes amidst growing public and official alarm over the prevalence and perceived dangers of vaping among schoolchildren.
At a recent session, the People’s Khural (Buryatia’s parliament) adopted amendments clarifying the ban on selling these products to individuals under 18 and prohibiting involving minors in their consumption. Semyon Matkheev, a committee chairman, emphasized that while Buryatia had prior restrictions, this update reinforces the rules following changes to federal law effective March 1st, aiming for more effective implementation.
The push for stricter controls is fueled by widespread concern over the health risks associated with vaping, tragically highlighted by incidents like the death of a 17-year-old girl found with vaping devices nearby earlier this year. Public forums in Buryatia frequently feature indignant posts from residents demanding action against what some call “selling poison,” citing fears of addiction, lung damage, and cancer. Parental anxiety has reportedly led some to seek unproven methods like “coding” teenagers against vaping, a practice met with skepticism by medical professionals like psychiatrist-narcologist Ruslan Glavinsky, who questioned its safety and efficacy for minors.
Educators are also voicing strong concerns, reporting widespread vaping in schools and frustration with perceived difficulties in enforcing rules or receiving adequate administrative support. Teachers describe challenges in confiscating devices and preventing access, sometimes even encountering obstacles when trying to address situations involving adults supplying vapes to students.
While Buryatia now has federally-aligned laws explicitly banning the sale of all smoking mixtures to minors, commentators and residents emphasize that effective enforcement, including raids and school-level interventions, is crucial. The consensus is that laws existing only on paper are insufficient to combat the issue, and sustained action is needed to address this public health concern.
Bill Includes Higher Taxes, Public Bans, Youth Protections, and Vape Ad Ban
The Iraqi parliament is scheduled to vote on May 6 on a comprehensive anti-smoking bill designed to significantly curb tobacco use through increased taxes, expanded bans, stricter penalties, and incentives for industry transition. The legislation, having passed its first two readings, places a strong emphasis on protecting minors from tobacco products and secondhand smoke.
Key provisions include prohibiting advertising for cigarettes, hookah, and vaping devices. The bill explicitly forbids hookah use by those under 18 and bans smoking in vehicles carrying anyone under 18. Public smoking will be prohibited, with violators facing fines starting at 50,000 Iraqi dinars (approx. $38). Selling tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes, to minors will carry harsher penalties: a minimum six-month prison sentence or fines between 250,000 and 500,000 dinars (approx. $190-$382).
The law also imposes new taxes, including 500 dinars (approx. $0.38) per imported cigarette pack and doubles existing taxes on imported and locally made cigarettes, setting a 40% customs tariff. Building on a 2012 law, it offers financial incentives (loans) for tobacco farmers and cigarette factories to switch to alternative crops or industries.
With high smoking rates (18.6% adults, 9.5% youth) and over 27,000 estimated annual smoking-related deaths, the bill represents a major push to address a significant public health issue in Iraq.
Six Nations Issue Formal Objections, Forcing Review Over Internal Market Concerns
Spain’s plan to tighten regulations on alternative tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, has encountered significant opposition within the European Union. Six member states – Italy, Sweden, Greece, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania – have issued formal “reasoned opinions” against the proposed Spanish Royal Decree, citing concerns about its potential impact on the EU’s internal market.
Read moreVOEB Points to Lithium Battery Dangers and International Precedents
The Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies (VOEB) is urgently calling for a nationwide ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes (vapes), citing significant fire hazards posed by improperly discarded lithium batteries.
Read moreHealth Advocates Launch Campaign to Uphold Ban Amid Retailer Repeal Effort
Denver voters will decide the fate of the city’s ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products this fall, as a campaign led by Children’s Hospital Colorado and health advocates launches to defend the ordinance against a repeal initiative.
Read moreLawsuit Claims State Law Requiring FDA Authorization is Preempted by Federal Authority
The Vapor Technology Association (VTA) and several North Carolina vape businesses have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state’s recently enacted law regulating e-cigarette sales (Session Law 2024-31). The plaintiffs argue the law improperly usurps federal authority and discriminates against certain products.
Read moreSenate Approves Law Targeting E-Cigarettes, Liquids, Nicotine Pouches; Heated Tobacco Excluded from Ban
Following the approval of a significant new law by Uzbekistan’s Senate (Oliy Majlis) on April 30, aimed at curbing the circulation of certain nicotine products, clarity has emerged on exactly which items are targeted by the ban and which remain legally permissible. The legislation, now awaiting presidential signature, introduces substantial penalties for violations but specifically excludes popular heated tobacco products (HTPs) like IQOS from the outright ban, focusing instead on e-cigarettes (vapes) and related systems.
Read moreMeasure Sparks Debate Between Public Health Advocates and Retailers Over Youth Access and Economic Impact
Oregon lawmakers are grappling with a revised proposal aimed at curbing teen vaping by significantly restricting access to flavored tobacco and nicotine products. After a previous attempt to enact a full ban failed, Senate Bill 702 has been amended to prohibit the sale of these popular products anywhere except state-licensed liquor stores.
Read moreGovernment Cracks Down on Illegal Online Promotion and Sales of E-cigarettes
The Brazilian government has ordered major digital platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Mercado Livre, and Enjoei, to immediately remove all content that promotes or sells electronic cigarettes (vapes) and related prohibited products. The notification, issued by the National Council to Combat Piracy (CNCP) under the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), gives the platforms a maximum of 48 hours to comply.
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