Colombian Groups Warn of “Lack of Balance” in Vaping Tax Discussions

Colombian health organizations criticize tobacco/vape industry presence in congressional panel discussing new tax bill, citing WHO FCTC.

Civil society organizations Fundación Anáas and Red PaPaz have criticized the composition of a technical panel in Colombia’s Congress convened to discuss bills updating taxes on tobacco and vaping products. They allege a “lack of balance” due to the prominent presence of tobacco and vape industry representatives, including major companies like British American Tobacco and Philip Morris, alongside groups such as the World Vapers’ Alliance.

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UK “Smokefree Generation” Law to Include Nicotine Pouches

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Scottish minister confirms “snus-style” nicotine pouches will be part of UK’s “smokefree generation” tobacco ban amid youth access concerns.

Nicotine pouches, sometimes incorrectly referred to as “snus,” will be covered under the UK-wide Tobacco and Vapes Bill aimed at creating a “smokefree generation,” Scottish Public Health Minister Jenni Minto has confirmed. This clarification comes amid concerns raised by MSPs after free samples of these oral nicotine products were distributed at Edinburgh’s Waverley train station.

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Malaysia Prioritizes Enforcing Vape Laws, No Nationwide Ban Planned

Health Minister Stresses Regulatory Control, Praises State-Level Restrictions

The Malaysian federal government is focusing on robust enforcement of existing laws to regulate vape products, with no immediate plans for a nationwide ban, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed. He highlighted the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 as the comprehensive legal framework guiding this approach.

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Buryatia (Russia) Tightens Youth Vape Sale Ban

Russian Republic Aligns Local Law with Federal Ban on Selling Smoking Mixtures to Minors

The Republic of Buryatia in Russia has strengthened its regulations against youth vaping, aligning local laws with federal standards to prohibit the retail sale of all types of smoking products – including tobacco-free and nicotine-free mixtures – to minors. This legislative move comes amidst growing public and official alarm over the prevalence and perceived dangers of vaping among schoolchildren.

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Iraqi Parliament to Vote on Stricter Anti-Smoking Law Next Week

Bill Includes Higher Taxes, Public Bans, Youth Protections, and Vape Ad Ban

The Iraqi parliament is scheduled to vote on May 6 on a comprehensive anti-smoking bill designed to significantly curb tobacco use through increased taxes, expanded bans, stricter penalties, and incentives for industry transition. The legislation, having passed its first two readings, places a strong emphasis on protecting minors from tobacco products and secondhand smoke.

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Spain’s Proposed Vape & Nicotine Pouch Rules Face Strong EU Opposition

Six Nations Issue Formal Objections, Forcing Review Over Internal Market Concerns

Spain’s plan to tighten regulations on alternative tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, has encountered significant opposition within the European Union. Six member states – Italy, Sweden, Greece, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania – have issued formal “reasoned opinions” against the proposed Spanish Royal Decree, citing concerns about its potential impact on the EU’s internal market.

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Austrian Waste Management Group Demands Disposable Vape Ban

VOEB Points to Lithium Battery Dangers and International Precedents

The Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies (VOEB) is urgently calling for a nationwide ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes (vapes), citing significant fire hazards posed by improperly discarded lithium batteries.

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Denver Flavored Tobacco Ban Faces Voter Showdown in November

Health Advocates Launch Campaign to Uphold Ban Amid Retailer Repeal Effort

Denver voters will decide the fate of the city’s ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products this fall, as a campaign led by Children’s Hospital Colorado and health advocates launches to defend the ordinance against a repeal initiative.

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Vaping Industry Sues North Carolina Over New E-cigarette Sales Law

Lawsuit Claims State Law Requiring FDA Authorization is Preempted by Federal Authority

The Vapor Technology Association (VTA) and several North Carolina vape businesses have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state’s recently enacted law regulating e-cigarette sales (Session Law 2024-31). The plaintiffs argue the law improperly usurps federal authority and discriminates against certain products.

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Uzbekistan Clarifies Scope of New Vape Ban: What’s Outlawed vs. Still Legal

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Senate Approves Law Targeting E-Cigarettes, Liquids, Nicotine Pouches; Heated Tobacco Excluded from Ban

Following the approval of a significant new law by Uzbekistan’s Senate (Oliy Majlis) on April 30, aimed at curbing the circulation of certain nicotine products, clarity has emerged on exactly which items are targeted by the ban and which remain legally permissible. The legislation, now awaiting presidential signature, introduces substantial penalties for violations but specifically excludes popular heated tobacco products (HTPs) like IQOS from the outright ban, focusing instead on e-cigarettes (vapes) and related systems.

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