In the wake of Belgium’s new excise duties on vaping liquids, which took effect on January 1st, many Belgian vapers have begun crossing the border into France to purchase cheaper e-cigarettes and e-liquids. The French government has yet to implement a similar tax, making it an attractive destination for cost-conscious vapers.

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Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has set his sights on October as the target month for enforcing the highly anticipated Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). The Act, which aims to curb the sale and purchase of tobacco products, smoking materials, and tobacco substitutes to minors, has been a topic of much discussion since its gazettement on February 2nd. Read more

The FDA has proposed a new regulation aimed at enhancing the import process for Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), commonly known as vape products. This rule mandates that the Submission Tracking Number (STN) for all vape products must be provided in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) at the time of import entry.

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The Constitutional Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies in Mexico has approved a reform that aims to prohibit the production and distribution of electronic cigarettes, vapers, and similar devices. The ruling, which passed with 34 votes in favor and 2 against, modifies articles 4 and 5 of the Constitution. The reform also extends to banning the production and distribution of toxic substances and unauthorized synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl. Read more

Russia Considers Licensing Tobacco Sales and Tightening Online Regulations

Russian lawmakers have proposed new legislation that could reshape the landscape of tobacco and vaping product sales in the country, aiming to combat illegal tobacco trade and protect public health. Read more

Action on Smoking & Health (ASH), a prominent anti-tobacco charity, has released new research revealing that nearly three million people in Britain have successfully quit smoking with the help of vaping in the past five years. The charity urges legislators to carefully consider the value of vapes as a quitting tool when drafting upcoming regulations.

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Illinois has taken a significant step towards safeguarding youth from the dangers of vaping by implementing a new law that prohibits the shipping of e-cigarettes into the state. State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed the legislation, which aims to curb the ease with which minors can access vaping products online.

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Costa Rican health authorities have taken a decisive step to address the growing health risks associated with vaping by introducing new regulations under Law 10.066. The law strictly prohibits vaping in various public spaces, including health centers, workplaces, educational institutions, shopping centers, casinos, nightclubs, discotheques, bars, restaurants, hotels, and sports facilities. The regulations also mandate clear signage in areas where vaping is banned, ensuring that the public is well-informed about the restrictions.

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State deputies at the Legislative Assembly of Pará (Alepa) in Belém took a decisive step towards curbing the use of electronic cigarettes, also known as vapers, by approving Bill (PL) No. 213/2022 on Tuesday (13). State deputy Fábio Freitas (Republicans) proposed the bill, which strictly prohibits the use, sale, import, and production of any electronic smoking devices (DEF) intended to replace traditional cigarettes.

Strict Penalties and Enforcement Measures

The new legislation imposes a substantial fine of R$1,144.55 on individuals who violate the law. It also requires commercial establishments to display prominent notices on their walls, clearly stating that smoking is prohibited within the premises and that violators may face penalties. These notices must be placed in highly visible locations and include the contact information for the health surveillance department, the Consumer Protection and Defense Department (Procon), and the Sespa reference center for approaching and treating smokers. Read more

South Africa’s Parliament has revived the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, a piece of legislation that aims to impose stricter regulations on the sale, advertising, and use of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems. The Bill, which lapsed at the end of the previous administration, now sits in Parliament and is on the agenda of the seventh administration.

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