Russia plans to introduce a ban on the use of vapes and disposable cigarettes while driving, as part of an effort to tighten control over drivers’ attention to the road. Violators could face a fine of 1,500 rubles, according to the Mash Telegram channel. Read more

The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, has called on member states to treat safer nicotine products like cigarettes by banning the use of vapes and heated tobacco products (HTP) in a wide range of outdoor spaces. The proposed revision of the European Council’s 2009 Recommendation on smoke-free environments urges the 27 EU members to prohibit vaping and HTP use in outdoor areas of cafes, restaurants, workplaces, transportation facilities, health care and educational facilities, amusement parks, shopping malls, and more.

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Indonesia will not raise excise tax rates for tobacco products in 2025 and will instead consider alternative policies to discourage smoking, including changes in retail prices, according to Askolani, the director general of customs and excise at the finance ministry. The country will maintain the 2024 excise rates for tobacco products in the following year. Read more

Two Democratic legislators in Washington State, Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way, and Sen. T’wina Nobles, D-University Place, have agreed to support a bill that would ban the sale of flavored vape products in the state. The legislation will likely be introduced in January 2025.

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New Zealand has set a deadline of October 1, 2024, for all vaping devices to have removable batteries and child safety mechanisms. From this date, retailers cannot sell any devices that do not meet these requirements.

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Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has signed new laws that introduce an on-the-spot fine of €2,000 for outlets caught selling vapes or tobacco products at events aimed at children. These measures, effective from today, are part of the Minister’s comprehensive strategy to regulate nicotine inhaling products strictly and eliminate tobacco use.

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The Malaysian Health Ministry has announced that the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852) will take effect on October 1. The Act, which covers regulations on the registration, sale, packaging, and labelling of smoking products, as well as the prohibition of smoking in public places, will also apply to electronic cigarettes.

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Idaho state lawmakers plan to introduce more regulations for e-cigarette and vaping products in the upcoming legislative session to address the growing concern of underage use. A legislative committee met Wednesday to discuss proposals from the tobacco industry, retailers, and health officials as they work towards drafting an official bill.

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Former President and 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump pledged to save flavored vaping products if he wins the upcoming election. In a post on his Truth Social account on Friday, Trump declared, “I saved Flavored Vaping in 2019, and it greatly helped people get off smoking. I raised the age to 21, keeping it away from the ‘kids.’ Kamala and Joe want everything banned, killing small businesses all over the Country. I’ll save Vaping again.”

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On September 19th, the Latvian government approved significant tax reforms that will raise excise duties on electronic cigarettes and related products starting from 2027. This move aims to harmonize Latvia’s tax rates with neighboring Baltic states and contribute to the European Union’s climate neutrality goals. Read more