Health Minister Stresses Regulatory Control, Praises State-Level Restrictions

The Malaysian federal government is focusing on robust enforcement of existing laws to regulate vape products, with no immediate plans for a nationwide ban, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed. He highlighted the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 as the comprehensive legal framework guiding this approach.

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Russian Republic Aligns Local Law with Federal Ban on Selling Smoking Mixtures to Minors

The Republic of Buryatia in Russia has strengthened its regulations against youth vaping, aligning local laws with federal standards to prohibit the retail sale of all types of smoking products – including tobacco-free and nicotine-free mixtures – to minors. This legislative move comes amidst growing public and official alarm over the prevalence and perceived dangers of vaping among schoolchildren.

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Bill Includes Higher Taxes, Public Bans, Youth Protections, and Vape Ad Ban

The Iraqi parliament is scheduled to vote on May 6 on a comprehensive anti-smoking bill designed to significantly curb tobacco use through increased taxes, expanded bans, stricter penalties, and incentives for industry transition. The legislation, having passed its first two readings, places a strong emphasis on protecting minors from tobacco products and secondhand smoke.

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Six Nations Issue Formal Objections, Forcing Review Over Internal Market Concerns

Spain’s plan to tighten regulations on alternative tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, has encountered significant opposition within the European Union. Six member states – Italy, Sweden, Greece, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania – have issued formal “reasoned opinions” against the proposed Spanish Royal Decree, citing concerns about its potential impact on the EU’s internal market.

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VOEB Points to Lithium Battery Dangers and International Precedents

The Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies (VOEB) is urgently calling for a nationwide ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes (vapes), citing significant fire hazards posed by improperly discarded lithium batteries.

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Health Advocates Launch Campaign to Uphold Ban Amid Retailer Repeal Effort

Denver voters will decide the fate of the city’s ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products this fall, as a campaign led by Children’s Hospital Colorado and health advocates launches to defend the ordinance against a repeal initiative.

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Lawsuit Claims State Law Requiring FDA Authorization is Preempted by Federal Authority

The Vapor Technology Association (VTA) and several North Carolina vape businesses have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state’s recently enacted law regulating e-cigarette sales (Session Law 2024-31). The plaintiffs argue the law improperly usurps federal authority and discriminates against certain products.

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Senate Approves Law Targeting E-Cigarettes, Liquids, Nicotine Pouches; Heated Tobacco Excluded from Ban

Following the approval of a significant new law by Uzbekistan’s Senate (Oliy Majlis) on April 30, aimed at curbing the circulation of certain nicotine products, clarity has emerged on exactly which items are targeted by the ban and which remain legally permissible. The legislation, now awaiting presidential signature, introduces substantial penalties for violations but specifically excludes popular heated tobacco products (HTPs) like IQOS from the outright ban, focusing instead on e-cigarettes (vapes) and related systems.

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Measure Sparks Debate Between Public Health Advocates and Retailers Over Youth Access and Economic Impact

Oregon lawmakers are grappling with a revised proposal aimed at curbing teen vaping by significantly restricting access to flavored tobacco and nicotine products. After a previous attempt to enact a full ban failed, Senate Bill 702 has been amended to prohibit the sale of these popular products anywhere except state-licensed liquor stores.

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Government Cracks Down on Illegal Online Promotion and Sales of E-cigarettes

The Brazilian government has ordered major digital platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Mercado Livre, and Enjoei, to immediately remove all content that promotes or sells electronic cigarettes (vapes) and related prohibited products. The notification, issued by the National Council to Combat Piracy (CNCP) under the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), gives the platforms a maximum of 48 hours to comply.

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