Mexico has recently amended its Constitution to include a ban on vaping devices and electronic cigarettes, igniting a heated debate between supporters and opponents. Both sides are urging the federal Congress and state legislatures to enact regulatory laws to align existing legal frameworks with the new constitutional provision.

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Taiwan has officially enforced a vaping ban following amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. The National Police Agency confirmed that individuals caught vaping can now face on-the-spot fines of up to TWD 10,000 (approximately $330). This move aims to curb the use of e-cigarettes and heated-tobacco products across the country.

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Osaka, Japan, has announced a new policy prohibiting smoking on all city streets, effective January 27, 2025. The ban covers all forms of smoking, including conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices, which were previously less regulated in certain areas. With a population of approximately 2.75 million, Osaka is now one of Japan’s largest cities to implement such a rule, aiming to improve air quality and public comfort in outdoor spaces.

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On February 4th, French deputies unanimously voted in favor of a bill aimed at banning disposable e-cigarettes, commonly known as “puffs.” The legislation, sponsored by several elected officials including Francesca Paquini and Michel Lauzzana, seeks to combat the proliferation of these single-use devices.

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Starting April 1/2025, Spain will implement a new tax on e-cigarette liquids and nicotine pouches, as outlined in the Royal Decree-Law of December 23, commonly known as the Omnibus Decree. The tax aims to generate revenue while addressing public health concerns, but critics argue it could undermine harm reduction efforts for smokers.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin enacted legislation on February 3 significantly increasing fines for selling tobacco, vapes, and hookahs to minors. The updated penalties now reach 2 million rubles for businesses, with stricter enforcement targeting nicotine product accessibility among youth. Published on Russia’s official legal portal, the law revises Article 14.53 of the Administrative Offenses Code to address rising teen vaping rates.

Revised Penalty Structure for Nicotine Sales

The law introduces tiered fines based on offender categories:

  • Individuals: 200,000–300,000 rubles
  • Officials: 500,000–700,000 rubles
  • Businesses: 1.5–2 million rubles

Additional penalties apply for violating retail rules:

  • Individuals: 10,000–20,000 rubles
  • Officials: 30,000–50,000 rubles
  • Businesses: 90,000–120,000 rubles

Repeat offenses incur extra fines of 10,000–30,000 rubles. The regulations cover all nicotine-containing products, including e-cigarettes, hookahs, and related consumables.

Health Ministry Backs Crackdown Amid Teen Vaping Surge

The Russian Ministry of Health endorsed the stricter measures, citing a 30% increase in adolescent vaping since 2021. Deputy Health Minister Alexey Kuznetsov stated: “Vapes have become a gateway to nicotine addiction for minors. This law aligns with our broader anti-smoking strategy.”

The legislation follows a January 21 State Duma vote approving the bill in its final reading. Health advocates argue lax enforcement previously allowed retailers to bypass age verification protocols, enabling widespread underage access.

Industry Reactions and Enforcement Challenges

Small business associations express concerns over compliance costs. Ivan Petrov, head of the Moscow Retail Alliance, notes: “Many shops lack automated ID scanners. Fines this steep could bankrupt smaller vendors.”

Meanwhile, public health experts emphasize enforcement consistency. Dr. Elena Smirnova, a pediatric pulmonologist, warns: “Without nationwide inspections and vendor training, the law risks becoming symbolic.”

The Polish government approved a draft amendment in January to expand excise taxes on nicotine alternatives, including reusable e-cigarettes, heated tobacco devices, and nicotine pouches. The proposal introduces a 40 PLN per-unit tax on vaping hardware and parts, while increasing taxes on disposable e-liquid content by 40 PLN. Industry groups warn this could raise retail prices by 50 PLN per device, potentially driving consumers back to combustible cigarettes or unregulated markets.

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The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled that Njoy Ace vaping products, owned by Altria, violate four patents held by Juul Labs. The decision, announced on Wednesday, prohibits the importation and sale of these devices in the U.S. until the patents expire in 2034 and 2037. The ruling is now under final review by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and could take effect as early as March 31, 2025.

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The Supreme Court recently heard arguments in a case involving tobacco and vape manufacturers battling the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the agency’s denial of marketing authorization for flavored e-cigarette products. While these companies have found little success in most appeals courts, they have enjoyed modest victories in the Fifth Circuit, which covers Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and is widely regarded as the most conservative court in the country.

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The Newton City Council in Connecticut has voted 19-4 to approve a generational ban on tobacco and e-cigarette sales. The measure prohibits purchases by anyone born after March 1, 2004, joining a growing number of Massachusetts communities that have passed similar ordinances to reduce tobacco use among young people.

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