Slovak Parliament Approves Higher Tobacco Tax, Extends to E-Cigarettes

The National Council of the Slovak Republic (NR SR) has definitively approved an amendment to the Excise Tax Act on Tobacco Products, which will extend the excise tax to electronic cigarette refills, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine products starting next year. The amendment also introduces a gradual increase in the excise tax on tobacco products in the coming years. Read more

Australia Seizes Over 2 Million Illegal Vapes in 2 Months Under New Law

Australia has ramped up its fight against illicit vapes, seizing more than 5.2 million illegal vapes and vaping products so far this year. Of these, joint actions by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) have successfully intercepted over 2 million vapes since the implementation of the new electronic cigarette law on July 1, 2024. The seized products have an estimated black market value exceeding 155 million Australian dollars (approximately 100 million US dollars).

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Korea E-liquid Safety Association Holds Seminar on Tobacco Law Amendment, Raises Concerns Over Constitutionality

The Korea E-liquid Safety Association (KELSA) held a seminar on the proposed amendment to the Tobacco Business Act, which aims to include all forms of nicotine, including synthetic nicotine, in the definition of tobacco and impose tobacco taxes. The seminar, titled “Seminar on the Amendment to the Tobacco Business Act to Include Synthetic Nicotine and Other Forms of Nicotine in the Definition of Tobacco and Impose Tobacco Taxes,” took place on the morning of the 10th in the association’s main conference room. Read more

Pakistan’s Haripur District Bans Sale of E-Cigarettes, Vapes, and Nicotine Products

Deputy Commissioner Haripur, Shoaib Abbas, has imposed a 90-day ban on e-cigarettes, vapes, and related nicotine products in Pakistan’s Haripur district, effective from September 6, 2024, under Section 144. The ban prohibits the use of these products in public transport and public spaces, as well as their promotion through media platforms and the display of related pamphlets on walls or vehicles. The sale of these items to individuals under 21 years of age is also prohibited. Read more

Philippines Takes Joint Action Against Illicit Vape Brands: RELX, Flare Among Four Facing Sales Suspension

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines has intensified its efforts to regulate illegal vape products by filing lawsuits against four e-cigarette brands, including Relx and Flare, and suspending their trading activities. This action follows the DTI’s previous move to halt the sales of five brands, such as LOST MARY and Chillax.

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Irish Cabinet Approves Ban on Sale of Disposable Vapes

The Irish Cabinet has given the green light to Minister of Health Stephen Donnelly to draft legislation that will introduce further restrictions on nicotine inhaling products, including a ban on the sale of disposable vapes. The proposed Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill aims to prohibit the sale, manufacture, and import of single-use or disposable vapes in Ireland, citing environmental and public health concerns. Read more

Philippine DTI Issues Trading Suspension on Several Vape Brands for Violating RA 11900

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has warned consumers about several vape brands that are subject to trading suspension due to violations of Republic Act No. 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. The DTI issued Preliminary Orders and Preventive Measures Pending Formal Investigation Orders against the following brands:

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UK Government Actively Considers Vape Licensing Scheme

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has expressed its support for the government’s active consideration of introducing a vape licensing scheme. During a recent House of Lords debate on youth vaping, Baroness Merron, the parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department of Health and Social Care, revealed that the government is seriously exploring the inclusion of a vape licensing scheme in the proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Read more

Bulgarian Passes Bill Banning Vape Sales to Minors

The Bulgarian parliament has adopted a bill in its second and final reading that bans the use and sale of vapes to children under 18. The legislation also prohibits the advertising of vapes on radio and television.

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Alabama Lawmakers Propose Ban on Vaping in Public Places

Alabama lawmakers are pushing to ban e-cigarettes and vapes from public places, similar to existing restrictions on cigarette smoking. House Bill 10, sponsored by state representative Barbara Drummond of Mobile, seeks to add electronic cigarettes to the list of items banned under the state’s 21-year-old Clean Air Act. If passed, Alabama could join a minority of states that have included e-cigarettes in their comprehensive smoking bans. Read more