The Cook Islands has taken a significant step towards promoting public health by enacting the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 2024. This new legislation introduces a range of measures aimed at curbing the use of tobacco and vaping products in the country. Read more

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines has suspended the online sale of vapor products, devices, and systems on marketplaces in a decisive move to safeguard the youth and prioritize public health. Secretary Fred Pascual signed Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 24-03, series of 2024, on July 20, making the suspension effective immediately. Read more

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted marketing authorization to RJ Reynolds Vapor Company for an expanded range of Vuse e-cigarette products. This decision, announced on July 18, adds seven new Vuse Alto e-cigarette products to the company’s growing portfolio of FDA-approved offerings. RJ Reynolds Vapor Company, an American subsidiary of British American Tobacco, now boasts the largest portfolio of authorized e-cigarette products in the U.S. market.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the marketing of seven e-cigarette products from R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, marking a significant milestone in the regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in the United States. The agency issued marketing granted orders for the Vuse Alto Power Unit and six Vuse Alto tobacco-flavored pods, which are sealed, pre-filled, and non-refillable, following an extensive scientific review through the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) pathway.

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The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has officially initiated an investigation into certain disposable vaporizer devices. This action follows a complaint lodged by RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc., R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and RAI Services Company, all based in Winston-Salem, NC. The complaint, initially filed on June 11, 2024, and supplemented on June 12 and July 1, 2024, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. It accuses various entities of importing and selling disposable vaporizer devices in the United States that infringe on a patent held by the complainants. Read more

The Ministry of Health in Malaysia is gearing up to implement specific regulations and orders related to the prohibition of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) sales, including the sale of vape products through vending machines. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has announced that the Attorney-General’s Chambers is in the final stages of researching and approving these regulations, paving the way for their imminent implementation. Read more

As of July 1, 2023, the Canadian government has implemented a 12 percent increase in the federal vape tax, resulting in higher prices for all vapers across the country. The two most populous provinces, Ontario and Quebec, along with the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, have joined the national government’s “tax partnership” scheme, effectively doubling the tax rate for vapers in these regions.

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A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Harry Tartan-Birch from University College London (UCL) has shed light on the differences in nicotine absorption among children exposed to indoor e-cigarette use and secondhand smoke. The research team analyzed data from 1,777 American children aged 3 to 11 who participated in the 2017-2020 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

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Ukraine has taken a proactive stance in protecting public health by implementing a comprehensive ban on the sale of flavored cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, e-cigarettes, and e-cigarette liquids, effective from July 11, 2024. The ban, which adheres to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and European integration directive 2014/40/EU, demonstrates Ukraine’s commitment to shielding its population from the detrimental effects of smoking and nicotine addiction. Read more

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (D) has signed a bill into law that establishes a new regulatory system for certifying vaping products in the state. The legislation, known as House Bill 900, aims to create a registry of authorized consumable and vapor products, which will be the only products allowed for sale in North Carolina starting May 1, 2025. Read more