Kenya’s Ministry of Health is cracking down on tobacco packaging, mandating that all products display prominent graphic health warnings (GHWs), including images and pictograms, as stipulated in Section 21 of the Tobacco Control Act. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale issued a stern warning to tobacco manufacturers, importers, and distributors, emphasizing full compliance with these new regulations.
Read moreItaly is bolstering its regulations on electronic cigarette sales, with a strong emphasis on preventing access for individuals under the age of 18. New legislative measures effective from 2025 aim to close existing loopholes and strengthen enforcement against underage vaping, a response to growing public health concerns and instances of non-compliance with the established legal purchase age of 18.
Read moreVietnam’s Ministry of Health is proposing significant fines for the use of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and other new-generation tobacco items, along with the mandatory destruction of such products if found in violation. The draft decree, currently under public consultation, aims to amend existing regulations to strengthen enforcement against these devices, which are already banned for sale in the country.
Read moreFrance has delayed the implementation of its stringent ban on nicotine pouches until at least August 25th, following formal objections from seven European Union member states. The ban, which was originally scheduled to take effect on May 26th, would have prohibited the production, sale, import, export, possession, and use of these oral nicotine products, treating them as “poisonous substances” with severe penalties.
Read moreNew Zealand has implemented a significant overhaul of its vaping regulations, with a nationwide ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes taking effect from Jun 17. This move, accompanied by stringent new restrictions on the display and advertising of all vaping products, marks a decisive step by the government to tackle the escalating issue of youth vaping and the environmental concerns associated with single-use devices. While public health advocates largely welcome the changes, the vaping industry expresses concerns about potential unintended consequences, including a possible resurgence in smoking and the growth of an illicit market.
Read moreThe global e-cigarette and vape market has experienced a meteoric rise, transforming from a niche curiosity into a multi-billion dollar industry with continued growth projected worldwide. For U.S. businesses looking to tap into this international demand, the opportunities are significant. However, venturing abroad with vape products in 2025 means navigating an increasingly complex and often fragmented landscape of international regulations. Understanding and meticulously adhering to these diverse global vape regulations is not merely advisable; it’s an absolute necessity for successful market entry, sustained operations, and building a trustworthy international brand. This guide provides an essential overview of the global status of e-cigarette bans and regulations as of May 2025, offering critical insights for U.S. businesses aiming for international compliance.
Read moreA strict new Alabama law regulating vape products, which took effect June 1st, is reportedly pushing consumers across the state line to Tennessee to purchase items no longer available locally. The Alabama legislation (HB8) significantly limits the types of vape products that can be sold, primarily allowing only FDA-approved tobacco and menthol-flavored e-cigarettes in general retail and restricting other flavored items to age-restricted specialty vape shops.
Read moreThe Mexican Senate has approved reforms to the General Law for Tobacco Control with 97 votes in favor, aiming to significantly strengthen anti-smoking measures across the country. The initiative, now passed to the Federal Executive for promulgation, will prohibit all forms of tobacco product advertising, sponsorship, and promotion, both direct and indirect. It also bans incentives encouraging tobacco purchases, including promotional items displaying tobacco brand names or logos.
Read moreFollowing France’s move to expand its outdoor smoking ban effective July 1, 2025, German politicians, particularly from the SPD and Green parties, are renewing calls for stricter prohibitions on smoking and vaping in public outdoor spaces in Germany. The French law will ban smoking in areas frequented by children, such as beaches, parks, playgrounds, near schools, and at bus stops, with fines of €135, though it currently exempts café terraces and e-cigarettes.
Read moreThe European Commission is contemplating substantial increases in excise duties on tobacco products, including a potential 258% hike on rolling tobacco and a 139% rise for cigarettes, according to an internal impact assessment. The document, obtained by POLITICO, also reveals plans to introduce EU-wide taxation on currently untaxed or inconsistently taxed items like vapes (e-cigarettes) and heated tobacco products.
Read more