New Jersey Proposes $51 Million Tax Hike on Tobacco and Vapes

Governor Phil Murphy has unveiled a new tax proposal that would significantly increase the cost of cigarettes and vaping products in New Jersey. The tax hikes, part of the state’s budget plan, are expected to generate $51 million in annual revenue.

Key Tax Increases Under the Proposal

  • Cigarette Tax Hike: The per-pack tax would rise from $2.70 to $3.00, bringing in an estimated $41 million annually.
  • Vape Liquid Tax Increase: The tax on nicotine-containing e-liquids would triple from $0.10 to $0.30 per milliliter.
  • E-Liquid Container Tax: The state would also triple the container tax from 10% to 30%, adding $10 million in projected revenue.

Murphy’s administration justifies the tax hikes as a way to boost public health while also increasing state revenue. However, critics argue that the move disproportionately affects lower-income residents and could drive more consumers to cross-border or black-market purchases.

While some lawmakers support the tax increases as a discouragement strategy for nicotine use, opponents warn that excessive taxation may push consumers toward unregulated alternatives.

As New Jersey’s budget discussions continue, the debate over these tobacco and vape tax hikes is expected to intensify.

UK‘s Smoke-Free Generation Bill Faces Big Tobacco Pushback

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As the Tobacco and Vapes Bill moves closer to becoming law, major tobacco firms are ramping up their opposition, employing familiar lobbying tactics to resist stricter regulations. The bill, set to return to Parliament this week, aims to ban cigarette sales to anyone born after 2009, gradually phasing out tobacco products nationwide.

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UK Allocates £10M to Combat Illicit Tobacco and Vaping Products

The UK government announced on March 23 that it will provide £10 million in funding to Trading Standards to support local enforcement efforts against illicit tobacco and vaping products. The new funding will enable the addition of 80 trainee enforcement officers to prevent harmful products from entering community stores and to curb underage purchases.

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Thailand E-Cigarette Ban: Heavy Fines & Jail Time

Thailand has ramped up its crackdown on electronic cigarettes, blocking thousands of online platforms and imposing severe penalties on violators. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan announced that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) is actively shutting down e-cigarette sales across social media and websites. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s directive to strictly enforce the country’s e-cigarette ban.

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Thailand Moves Closer to E-Cigarette Legalization

Thailand has taken a significant step towards the potential legalization of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) as the Thai Parliament recently acknowledged a report from the Ad Hoc Committee on E-Cigarettes. The report, which thoroughly examined the issue of e-cigarette regulation in the country, found that the majority of committee members support ending the current ban and implementing appropriate legal regulations for these products.

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South Australia Introduces Harsher Penalties for Illegal Vape Trade

The Malinauskas Labor Government of South Australia has introduced new legislation to State Parliament, granting police greater powers and implementing tougher penalties to crack down on the illegal tobacco and vape trade. The new laws, developed in consultation with Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, aim to reduce criminal activity and protect the community from the risks associated with illicit tobacco and e-cigarette products.

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Belgium Enforces New Tobacco Sale Regulations from 1 April 2025

As of 1 April 2025, all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes, can no longer be displayed in Belgian stores. This change is part of Belgium’s tobacco plan, a series of measures launched in 2022 that aims to create a smoke-free generation by 2040.

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Russian Business Leaders Advocate Vaping Regulation Over Ban

As the Russian State Duma prepares to consider a bill that would completely ban electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), business representatives and industry experts are voicing their opposition. They argue that a total ban would not effectively address the issues at hand and would instead create new risks and threats to the market.

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Paraguay’s Lower House Toughens Stance on Vaping Regulation

The Chamber of Deputies in Paraguay has decided to partially uphold its original version of a bill aimed at regulating electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and similar devices. The decision comes amidst growing concerns about the health risks associated with vaping, particularly among young people who may be unaware of the long-term effects.

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Oregon Democrats Push for Statewide Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products

Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, including vapes and synthetic nicotine pouches, in an effort to curb the state’s high rate of tobacco use among high school students, which is more than double the national average.

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