Canada’s Illegal Nicotine Market Surges to 38%, TVPA Review Finds

Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. (RBH) has warned that Health Canada’s latest legislative review of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) overlooks a massive, growing illicit nicotine market. Released last week, the review exposes critical regulatory gaps and outdated enforcement mechanisms that threaten public health.

The critique follows a December 2025 evaluation highlighting that Health Canada’s dated IT systems hinder its ability to track compliance, manage enforcement, and analyze emerging trends in the digital era. While the TVPA review acknowledges a rise in online vaping sales, it fails to address the rapid growth of online contraband sales orchestrated by organized crime.

This regulatory oversight leaves a massive portion of the market completely unchecked. Unregulated products bypass quality controls, age-verification standards, and the tobacco cost-recovery charges that fund public cessation programs.

RBH executives argue that focusing solely on the legal, regulated industry misses the mark on public safety. They are calling for immediate federal leadership to utilize existing legal and regulatory powers to dismantle the contraband network.

“Without enforcement, regulations and laws fail to protect Canadians, leaving a country where criminals and illegal actors face too little risk and have too much opportunity,” said Kory McDonald, Head of Corporate Affairs at RBH.

• News reference: Tobacco and Vaping Products Act review exposes gaps as illicit market grows

• Author
• Recent Posts

Follow

Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

Follow

Latest posts by Matthew Ma (see all)

• Appeals Court Clears Way for Iowa Vape Registry Law to Take Effect - August 1, 2026
• Argentina: Catamarca Senate Passes Law 5950 to Regulate E-Cigarettes - July 31, 2026
• Malaysia Weighs Vape Ban as Healthcare Costs Outpace Taxes - July 31, 2026

Related posts:

How Australia’s Vape Bans and Tobacco Taxes Created a Violent Black Market Philippines Loses P141B to Illicit Tobacco & Vape Trade North Dakota Senate Considers Raising Tobacco and Vape Taxes UK Considers £100 Fines for Vaping at Outdoor Bus Stops Europe Has Highest Smoking Rates Globally: WHO Report