As of April 1, 2025, several Malaysian states will prohibit the open display of tobacco products in shops, in compliance with the Smoking Products Control Act for Public Health 2024 (Act 852). Retailers in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Selangor will be required to keep cigarettes and other smoking products hidden from view in closed cabinets.

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The Dutch government is taking decisive action to address the growing problem of youth smoking and vaping by proposing a series of stringent measures aimed at curbing nicotine addiction among young people. At the heart of the new proposal from the Ministry of Health is a plan to raise the legal age for purchasing cigarettes and vapes from 18 to 21.

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A recent CDC study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report uncovers a significant shift in adult tobacco use trends from 2017 to 2023. The prevalence of exclusive cigarette smoking declined by 5.2% (from 10.8% to 7.9%), while exclusive e-cigarette use surged by 20.3% (from 1.2% to 4.1%) during this period. These changes translate to a decrease of approximately 6.8 million exclusive cigarette smokers and an increase of approximately 7.2 million exclusive e-cigarette users.

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The North Dakota Senate is currently considering a bill that would increase taxes on cigarettes and cigars by $0.25 and equalize the tax rate on vaping products to match other tobacco products. The additional revenue generated would be allocated to local health units and suicide prevention services.

Supporters of the bill, such as Sen. Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo), argue that raising tobacco taxes is an effective way to improve public health outcomes, particularly by deterring young people from vaping. However, opponents call the measure regressive and claim that it will drive responsible nicotine users to purchase products online, where there is less oversight on product quality and safety.

If passed, proponents note that North Dakota’s cigarette tax would still remain lower than those in neighboring states. The House previously voted down a similar proposal before the legislative crossover deadline.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated Import Alert 98-06 for the year 2025. This update emphasizes that all new tobacco products, particularly snus and nicotine pouches, that have not undergone the required premarket review process may be detained without physical examination upon entry into the United States.

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Representative Edgar Robles has introduced a bill in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives that would prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes in establishments located within 500 meters of schools. The proposed legislation, House Bill 385, aims to address growing concerns about the increasing use of e-cigarettes among young people.

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Kentucky is on the verge of introducing new regulations for businesses selling tobacco, nicotine, and vape products, as Senate Bill 100 is expected to emerge from the House Committee this week. The proposed legislation aims to implement a licensing requirement for retailers and enforce harsher penalties for those caught selling these products to individuals under the age of 21.

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On Mar 10, 2025, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a significant settlement with e-cigarette company Juul Labs Inc. The company has agreed to pay $79 million to resolve allegations that it improperly targeted minors in its marketing efforts.

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines has announced a new set of rules and requirements aimed at combating the illegal trade of vape products, ensuring consumer safety, and streamlining import procedures. The agency is seeking public and stakeholder input on the draft Department Administrative Order (DAO), which amends the documentary requirements for obtaining a Statement of Confirmation (SOC) for product importers.

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A Canadian court has approved a plan to settle long-running tobacco lawsuits in the country. As part of the settlement, the Canadian units of three major tobacco companies – Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco – will pay a staggering C$32.5 billion (approximately $22.67 billion USD) to resolve the legal disputes that have plagued them for years.

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