Local police officers in Aktau, Kazakhstan have begun carrying out raids against illegal vape trade in the city. As part of their efforts to enforce the recently implemented ban on electronic cigarettes, the authorities inspected various trading locations and engaged in educational outreach with the general population. Read more

The Maldivian government has announced its decision to eliminate duty exemptions on unhealthy products such as vape and energy drinks, as part of a broader effort to streamline customs regulations and promote public health. This move aligns the country’s policies with international health treaties it has signed.

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The Polish Ministry of Health has announced the end of the 30-day public consultations on the draft act amending the act on the protection of health against the effects of using tobacco and tobacco products. The proposed amendment aims to ban the sale of flavored cigarettes and heated tobacco products in Poland. Read more

The Cyprus Parliament’s Health Committee has raised concerns about the detrimental effects of e-cigarettes on young people, prompting lawmakers to consider immediate action to address the “unreasonable use and sale of e-cigarettes,” as reported by Cyprus Mail on July 4th. Read more

According to amendments to the second reading of a bill on changes to the Russian tax system, which TASS has in its possession, the Russian government plans to raise excise taxes on tobacco products by an average of 4.7% in 2025. Read more

A recent study conducted by the Moldovan Pediatric Society has uncovered a disturbing trend in the Republic of Moldova: an epidemic of e-cigarette use among young people. The 2023 study, which surveyed 530 teenagers aged 10 to 16, found that an astounding 36% of participants use disposable e-cigarettes, also known as vapes. Pulmonologist Olimpia Gherman attributes the popularity of these products among youth to their affordable prices, appealing flavors, and the ease of purchasing them online without proper regulation.

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Styria has become the latest Austrian state to ban the sale of nicotine pouches to individuals under the age of 18. The state parliament passed an amendment to the Youth Act on Tuesday, which will come into force on October 1, 2024. This move follows similar bans implemented by Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Tyrol, as more states take action to address the growing popularity of these addictive nicotine products among teenagers and young adults. Read more

Ireland has taken a monumental step towards protecting public health by becoming the first European Union country to raise the minimum legal age for tobacco sales from 18 to 21. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced the government’s approval of the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2024, which will now proceed to enactment.

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A diverse coalition of German organizations, including the BDE, the German Environmental Aid (DUH), the German Medical Association, and other social organizations, has come together to urge Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke to swiftly implement a nationwide ban on disposable vapes. In an open letter, the groups highlight the significant health hazards, environmental damage, and fire risks associated with these products.

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Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Scotland, a prominent health charity, has urged Members of Parliament to ensure that the planned UK-wide ban on disposable vapes remains on track following the upcoming general election. The organization emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining the agreed-upon timeline for the ban, regardless of any potential changes in government.

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