UK Government Pledges Consultation on Vape Flavours After Petition Hits Milestone

Response Acknowledges Flavours’ Role for Adult Smokers Amid Youth Protection Goals

A petition urging the UK government to reconsider proposed restrictions on vape flavours under the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill has surpassed the 10,000-signature threshold, triggering a formal government response. While reaffirming its intention to regulate flavours to protect children, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has pledged further public consultation before implementing specific restrictions and acknowledged the importance of flavours for adult smokers seeking to quit.

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Indonesia Targets June 2025 for Setting Nicotine/Tar Limits, Plans Wider Controls

Youth Smoking Reduction Goals Drive New Measures Including Plain Packaging

The Indonesian government aims to finalize maximum nicotine and tar level standards for cigarettes by June 2025, with implementation slated for June 2026. This initiative, coordinated by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, is part of a broader strategy under the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029 to significantly reduce smoking prevalence among young people aged 10-21.

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Uzbekistan Senate Approves Law Banning E-Cigarettes and Related Products

The Senate of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis (Parliament) has approved significant legal amendments aimed at prohibiting the circulation of electronic cigarettes, liquids, and potentially heated tobacco systems within the country. The new law tightens requirements and establishes both administrative and criminal liability for handling these products illegally.

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Egypt Cigarette Prices Stable Despite Tax Stamp Hike

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Rumors Persist, But Official Prices Unchanged Since Late 2024

Despite ongoing speculation and a recent increase in the value of tax stamps (“banderoles”) affixed to packs, official cigarette prices in Egypt remain unchanged, with no new price hikes announced by manufacturers or the Ministry of Finance. Rumors frequently circulate regarding cigarette costs, prompting close consumer attention.

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Kazakhstan Cigarette Prices Climb Steadily, Up 16.5% Year-on-Year

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Domestic Production Rises as Costs Increase Across Regions

Smokers in Kazakhstan are facing increasingly expensive cigarettes, with prices rising consistently month after month. According to analysis by Energyprom, the average cost of cigarettes surged by 16.5% year-on-year by the end of March 2025, with a 1% increase recorded in March alone.

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Argentina: Tucumán Councilors Criticize Lack of Enforcement on Indoor Vape Ban

Officials Claim Provincial Government Ignores 2019 Law

Council members in Tucumán, Argentina, have strongly criticized the provincial government for failing to enforce an existing law that prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) in enclosed public spaces. Councilors José María Canelada and Gustavo Cobos argue the issue isn’t a lack of regulation, but a lack of action from the Executive Branch.

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Polish Vape Industry Urges PM Tusk to Halt Inspections

Calls for Dialogue Amid Claims of Targeting Legal Businesses

Representatives of Poland’s vaping industry have issued a formal appeal to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, urging an end to what they describe as excessive administrative pressure from recent nationwide inspections conducted by tax and customs services. The industry is calling for a halt to the current wave of controls and the initiation of constructive dialogue.

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Vape Traders in Malaysian Terengganu Protest Ban, Seek Delay

Group Argues Grace Period Too Short, Questions State Authority

Vape traders in Terengganu are urging the state government to postpone the impending ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and vape products, scheduled to take effect on August 1st. Represented by the Terengganu branch of the Malay Vape Traders Association, they argue the ban will cause significant financial hardship and that the provided three-month grace period is inadequate.

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Türkiye Cigarette Prices Surge in 2025 Following Tax Hikes

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Philip Morris Brands See 10 TL Increase, Pushing Prices Higher

Smokers in Türkiye are facing significantly higher cigarette prices in 2025, with major brands experiencing substantial increases attributed largely to hikes in the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on tobacco products.

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Hong Kong Proposes Higher Fines for Excess Cigarettes, Expands No-Smoking Zones

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Hong Kong is set to tighten its tobacco control laws with a new amendment bill introduced on April 25, 2025. Key proposals target travelers bringing cigarettes and expand public no-smoking areas.

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