The FDA’s recent leadership overhaul continues to send shockwaves through the agency, leaving a critical leadership vacuum and raising concerns about its ability to fulfill its mission of ensuring public health. On April 01, the FDA’s chief tobacco regulator, Brian King, was placed on administrative leave, marking the latest chapter in a sweeping purge that has affected multiple departments within the agency. The restructuring has particularly targeted the FDA’s tobacco division, which has been a focal point of debate over policies regarding vaping and e-cigarette regulation.
Read moreAustralia has implemented mandatory changes to cigarettes as part of the government’s efforts to ramp up health messaging over tobacco products. As of April 01/2025, Australia has become the second country in the world, after Canada, to introduce health warnings on individual cigarettes.
Read morePoland’s President Andrzej Duda signed an amendment to the country’s Tobacco Act on April 01/2025, prohibiting the sale of flavored heated tobacco products. The new regulations will come into force this April, giving manufacturers and retailers nine months to adapt to the changes.
Read moreAs several bills aimed at significantly complicating the sale of electronic cigarettes in Russia are being discussed in the federal government and the State Duma (SD), industry experts warn that overly restrictive measures could drive the market underground, leading to illegal sales via messaging apps, the internet, or even from cardboard boxes on the street.
Read morePoland’s e-cigarette regulations have taken a chaotic turn as the Ministry of Health surprised everyone with a new draft bill proposing a complete ban on e-cigarette sales, despite an existing bill in the Sejm that only prohibits sales to minors and nicotine-free e-cigarettes. This legislative overproduction has left many questioning the government’s coordination and control over key economic sectors.
Read moreGibraltar’s Minister for Health, Gemma Arias-Vasquez, has published a Command Paper outlining draft legislation that aims to create a smoke-free generation and regulate the sale of nicotine products. The proposed law would prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, effectively coming into force in 2027 when this group reaches the age of 18.
Read moreAs of April 1/2025, retailers in Belgium are no longer allowed to display tobacco products at points of sale, following an amendment to the consumer health protection law of January 24, 1977. The ban encompasses cigarettes, cigars, rolling papers, water pipe tobacco, and e-cigarettes, and prohibits the sale of these products in food stores larger than 400 square meters.
Read moreAs of 1/4/2025, Malaysia has put into effect a prohibition on displaying smoking products at point of sale counters, in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health (Sales Control) Regulations 2024. This move follows the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) and its related regulations and orders, which came into effect on October 1 of the previous year.
Read moreTexas lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 1698, which aims to combat the influx of illegal e-cigarette products by establishing a Texas-specific directory of FDA-compliant vape products. The bill, heard Monday in the Senate State Affairs Committee, would ban the sale of any products not listed in the directory.
Read moreNon-Menthol Flavors Targeted First in New Anti-Smoking Push
Hong Kong authorities plan to ban the sale of flavored smoking products starting next year, likely in 2026, beginning with non-menthol varieties. Sources indicate the government will submit an amendment bill to the legislature soon to implement these changes.
This measure is part of a phased approach to introduce ten previously announced tobacco control measures. The ban on flavors, such as fruit options, aims to reduce the appeal of smoking, particularly among young people. Additionally, the bill is expected to propose prohibiting smoking within three meters of entrances to specific locations, including schools and hospitals. These steps reflect Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its anti-smoking policies.