In an open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, small retailers and corner shop owners from across the country have expressed their grave concerns about the Labour Government’s Spring Forecast and the proposed restrictions on advertising freedoms within the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The letter, signed by prominent retailers such as Atul Sodha of Londis, Harefield, and Kay Patel of Global Food & Wine and Best-one, London, highlights the financial burdens and regulatory pressures that threaten the survival of their businesses.
Read moreThe Armenian government has approved amendments to the “Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Armenia” to increase fines for selling tobacco products that do not meet the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) standards. The decision comes as the transitional period for compliance with EAEU technical regulations, which began in 2016, is set to end on January 1, 2024.
Read moreVaping has undergone a remarkable transformation in pop culture, evolving from a niche habit to a mainstream lifestyle statement. This timeline explores the key moments and trends that have shaped the perception and popularity of vaping in entertainment and society.
Read moreThe Philippines has been steadily increasing excise taxes on tobacco products in recent years, with the latest adjustments taking effect on March 22, 2025. These tax hikes are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to discourage smoking and raise revenue for the country’s universal healthcare program.
Read moreBrazil has witnessed a significant increase in the seizure of electronic cigarettes, commonly known as “vapes,” in 2024, despite a long-standing prohibition by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) since 2009. The state of São Paulo, in particular, saw a sevenfold increase in confiscated devices compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing popularity of the product in the face of strict regulations.
Read moreThe UK House of Commons has taken a significant step towards creating a “smoke-free generation” by passing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. If the bill becomes law, anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, will be prohibited from legally purchasing and smoking tobacco products.
Read moreBulgaria, as a member of the European Union, has been regulating vapes under the European Directive since March 2025. The legal framework sets limits on nicotine concentration in e-liquids, tank and bottle volumes, and requires leak-proof protection and safe filling mechanisms. Packaging must also include a mandatory warning about nicotine’s addictive nature, occupying at least 30% of the label surface.
Read moreThe Customs and Monopolies Agency has updated its list of activities subject to website blocking procedures, with the total number of blocked sites reaching 934 due to unauthorized sales of inhalation liquid products or fiscal monopoly goods. Fifteen new operations have been added to the list and will have until April 5, 2025, to regularize their position by removing any elements or products from their sites that cannot be made accessible to private individuals.
In addition to the blocking procedures, a provision from the Turin court has established that vaping products cannot be promoted through commercial offers or advertised with flyers or posters in shops. However, retailers are permitted to highlight the technical properties of a device or the flavor profile of an e-liquid, without adding subjective comments or phrases designed to attract consumer curiosity or attention. Any inappropriate messaging will also result in site restriction and subsequent blackout.
The Government of Saskatchewan, Canada, introduced amendments to The Provincial Sales Tax Act, 2025 on March 24, aiming to remove the provincial sales tax (PST) exemption on vapour products. As of June 1, 2025, a six percent PST will be applied to all vapour products in the province, in addition to the existing vapour products tax, according to a provincial government news release.
Read moreThe Tennessee House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee recently passed House Bill 968, presented by Representative David Hawk, with a 12-1 majority on March 10, 2025. The bill proposes a 10% tax on all open-system vapor products and bans non-FDA-approved products, creating a registry of approved vapes and ensuring that only FDA-deemed acceptable products are sold in stores.
Read more