Concerns raised in South Korea over lower taxes on solid-form e-cigarettes compared to liquid types, prompting calls for tax system reform for fairness.
A significant difference in taxation standards based on product structure persists in South Korea’s e-cigarette market, leading to debates over fairness and calls for regulatory reform. Specifically, products using nicotine in solid form are subject to much lower tax rates compared to their liquid-based counterparts.
Read moreKelantan state in Malaysia has banned vape sales since 2015, issuing no new licenses due to health concerns; enforcement continues against illicit sales.
Read moreKedah state in Malaysia will phase out vape sales by not renewing licenses, citing drug misuse concerns; aims for a full ban by next year.
Read morePNG government prohibits use, sale, and import of all vaping products, citing youth health risks and intelligence advice; heavy fines for violators.
Read moreReports indicate UK vapers are hoarding disposable e-cigarettes as a new sales ban approaches next month, with online sales surging.
Read moreSmoking on shared apartment building balconies in Russia can result in fines ranging from 500 to 1,500 rubles, according to Sergey Kolunov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Construction, Housing and Communal Services. He emphasized that the ban on smoking in common areas of residential buildings, such as elevators and stairwells, also extends to these shared balconies.
Read moreThe Malaysian state of Perlis will prohibit the sale of vapes, or electronic cigarettes, starting August 1st. Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) Mohd. Shukri Ramli announced the decision, citing a 2022 ruling by the Perlis State Fatwa Committee which declared vape use haram (forbidden).
Read moreThe Selangor state government will make a decision regarding a potential ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes) after the State Executive Council (MMKN) reviews a dedicated working paper on the matter. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari confirmed he has instructed Public Health and Environment Executive Councilor Jamaliah Jamaludin to prepare this paper.
Read moreIndustry groups in Malaysia argue vape bans fuel illicit trade and harm consumers, advocating for regulation over prohibition.
The Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) has issued a strong caution to policymakers. The group warns that implementing outright bans on vape sales will likely drive consumers towards a dangerous black market. They advocate for a regulatory approach that prioritizes consumer safety, industry sustainability, and economic contributions.
Read moreAnalysis of Namibia’s surging N$1.4B vape & hookah imports, insights for industry, and upcoming regulatory changes impacting the market.
Namibia has experienced a dramatic surge in the importation of water pipe tobacco (hookah), vapes, and related mixtures. Between 2021 and 2024, the country imported over N$1.4 billion worth of these products. This figure marks a substantial increase from just N$108.2 million recorded in 2020, according to data from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
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