GSTHR Report Finds Vapes Help Smokers Quit in New Zealand

GSTHR Briefing Paper Showcases Aotearoa New Zealand’s Smoking Cessation Success Through Vaping

The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR), a project from public health agency Knowledge·Action·Change (KAC), has released its latest Briefing Paper, which sheds light on Aotearoa New Zealand’s remarkable journey towards achieving “smokefree” status. The report, titled “Pro-consumer laws and an endorsement for vaping: why smoking is disappearing in Aotearoa New Zealand,” showcases the country’s rapid embrace of vaping as a critical tool in reducing smoking rates and provides valuable insights for other countries seeking to tackle the global smoking epidemic.

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RI Flavored Vape Ban Faces Federal Lawsuit Challenge

Vape Shops Claim Unconstitutionality and Irreparable Harm in Complaint

Two Rhode Island vape shops, Vaporetti LLC and Sunshine Vape LLC, have filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the state’s upcoming ban on flavored e-cigarettes, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, is unconstitutional. The complaint, filed on November 26 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, argues that the law is poorly defined, “irrational,” and will cause irreparable harm to their businesses.

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Washington State Lawmakers Propose Ban on Flavored Vape, Nicotine Pouch, and Menthol Sales

A broad coalition of Washington educators, doctors, researchers, and social justice advocates has launched a campaign called “Flavors Hook Kids Washington” to ban flavored nicotine vapes and other tobacco products in the state. The group cites the contribution of these products to youth addiction as the primary reason for the proposed ban.

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Iowa Vape Companies Lawsuit Challenges PMTA Registry Law

Plaintiffs Claim PMTA Registry Law Violates US and Iowa Constitutions, Threatens Vape Businesses

Several Iowa vape companies, along with the state’s vaping industry association1, Iowans for Alternatives to Smoking & Tobacco (IFAST)2, have filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the implementation of new state laws and regulations. The plaintiffs argue that the recently passed HF 2677, which creates a state registry of FDA-approved vape products, will severely limit what companies like theirs can sell, effectively shutting down most or all specialty vape stores in the state.

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FDA Issues Warning Letters to Nine Online Firms for Selling Unauthorized Flavored, Disposable Vapes

Targeted Products Include Brands Popular Among Youth, Such as Geek Bar and Lost Mary

On December 19, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had issued warning letters to eight online retailers and one manufacturer for selling and/or distributing unauthorized flavored, disposable vapes. The warning letters cited several popular youth-oriented brands, including Geek Bar and Lost Mary, as well as products featuring the names and/or images of celebrities.

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Belgium to Become First EU Country to Ban Disposable Vape Sales

Move Part of Broader Anti-Tobacco Drive, as Government Data Shows Most Young Smokers Start with Vapes

Belgium will make history in January as the first European Union country to ban the sale of disposable vapes, driven by concerns over their appeal to children and the environmental damage caused by their disposal. This move is part of a larger anti-tobacco initiative in the country, where government data reveals that most young smokers begin the habit with e-cigarettes rather than traditional tobacco cigarettes.

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Polish Finance Minister Considers Raising Excise Tax on Nicotine Pouches

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Collaboration with Health Ministry to Analyze Situation and Make Responsible Decisions

Andrzej Domański, the Polish Minister of Finance, informed TVP Info on Tuesday that the Ministry of Finance is considering the possibility of raising the excise tax on tobacco products, such as nicotine pouches, for health reasons. He added that the Ministry of Finance, along with the Ministry of Health, is thoroughly analyzing the situation.

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Vape Business Ireland Rebrands as Responsible Vaping Ireland, Calls for Sensible Regulation

Association Promotes Vaping as Smoking Alternative, Warns Against Overregulation

Vape Business Ireland, an association advocating for sensible vaping regulation, has rebranded itself as Responsible Vaping Ireland. The organization has renewed its focus on promoting vaping as an alternative to smoking while cautioning against unnecessary restrictions that could harm small retailers and increase smoking rates.

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Kentucky Introduces New Vape Restrictions, Limiting Sales to FDA-Approved Products

House Bill 11 Aims to Curb Youth Vaping, Forcing Retailers to Cut Back on Inventory

Starting January 1, 2025, Kentucky will implement new vape restrictions for retailers, limiting sales to products that have received authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or have a “safe harbor certification.” The move, which aims to curb youth vaping in the state, is forcing businesses to reduce their inventory and select from a limited list of approved vapes.

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Chile Comptroller Confirms Vaping Regulations to be Ready by January 5th for Law Implementation

Senate Health Commission Meets with Comptroller Dorothy Pérez to Discuss Pending Decrees and Regulations

The Senate Health Commission, represented by its president, Senator Javier Macaya (UDI), and Senator Juan Luis Castro (PS), met with Comptroller Dorothy Pérez at the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic to discuss pending requirements, regulations, and decrees, including the decree on high-cost medications and the regulation of electronic cigarettes.

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