In a significant move, Egypt has legalized the import and commercialization of e-cigarette products, a decision that has been applauded by the vapor industry. RELX International, a leading player in the e-cigarette market, praised the Egyptian authorities’ progressive approach in a statement dated April 24, highlighting the potential for a regulated market that serves adult consumers’ demand for accessible, quality alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Read more
The President Andrés Manuel López Obrador signed a decree on May 31, 2022 – World No Tobacco Day – prohibiting the circulation and marketing of all electronic cigarettes in Mexico. This action aimed to strengthen existing restrictions, including an October 2021 ban on import and export, which authorities claimed were being bypassed via e-commerce.
Read moreGovernment Aims to Align E-Cigarette Standards with Conventional Tobacco Products
The Spanish government has approved a new draft law that will regulate the sale of electronic cigarettes, forcing vape shops to close within five years. Under the new legislation, tobacconists will become the only outlets permitted to sell e-cigarette products.
Read moreAs of April 30, 2022, Hong Kong has enacted a sweeping ban on alternative smoking products (ASPs), prohibiting the import, promotion, manufacture, sale, and possession of these items for commercial purposes. The ban, introduced through the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, aims to curb the use of electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products, and herbal cigarettes in the city.
Read moreItaly will adjust its e-liquid tax for the fourth time in four years, with the new rates set to take effect on April 1st. The Italian Senate passed the changes in late February, which will favor vaping consumers by reducing the tax burden on e-liquids.
Read moreThe Danish Parliament has approved the Danish Health Authority’s “Tobacco Action Plan,” which includes a ban on flavored vaping products and a significant tax increase on e-liquids. The new restrictions, set to take effect in 2021 and 2022, have raised concerns among vaping advocates who fear the measures will make vaping less accessible and attractive to smokers looking to quit. Read more
New Zealand has taken a significant step in its efforts to become smokefree by 2025 with the implementation of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill. The bill, which came into effect on November 11th, includes a ban on nicotine pouches such as NicNac, QuickFuel, and White Fox.
Read moreThe Louisiana State Legislature has taken decisive action to protect children from the potential dangers of secondhand vapor exposure in vehicles. On Friday, the State Senate unanimously passed a bill that would make it illegal to use vape devices or e-cigarettes while a child is in the car. The measure, which previously cleared the House of Representatives, now heads to Governor John Bel Edwards’ desk for his signature.
Read moreNew Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that prohibits the sale of flavored vaping products in the state. The ban, which will take effect in April, comes amid growing concerns over the increasing number of young people using these products and a nationwide outbreak of mysterious illnesses linked to vaping.
Read moreThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a ban on most flavors of cartridge-based e-cigarettes, including fruit and mint varieties, that have not received FDA authorization through the premarket tobacco application (PMTA) process. The ban, which was announced on January 2, 2020, requires companies to cease the manufacture, distribution, and sale of these unauthorized flavored products within 30 days or risk enforcement actions from the agency.
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