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.
Read morePhilip 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.
Read moreHong 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.
Read moreLargest Hike Expected in 2025 Due to Excise Tax Adjustments
Cigarette prices in Ukraine are projected to increase continuously from 2025 through 2028, driven by planned hikes in excise taxes. According to the April 2025 Inflation Report from the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), the most significant price jump is expected this year, partly to compensate for lower-than-targeted tax revenues in the previous year.
Read moreNew Bill Aims to Regulate E-commerce, Equalize Rules with Traditional Trade
Russia is developing comprehensive legislation to regulate its rapidly growing “platform economy,” including online marketplaces, with plans for adoption by the end of 2025. According to Maxim Topilin, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, the bill aims to establish clear rules for digital platforms and level the playing field between electronic and traditional commerce.
Read moreHong Kong authorities have unveiled a new tobacco control bill proposing significant measures to curb smoking and vaping, aiming to strengthen public health protections.
Read morePossession Treated as Smuggling Offence Under Stricter Enforcement
Thailand is significantly escalating its enforcement against electronic cigarettes, with authorities now warning that simple possession of a vape device can be treated as a serious offence related to handling smuggled goods. Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukul Prueksa-anurak stated that users, including tourists, caught with vapes could be prosecuted for receiving or possessing contraband.
Read moreParty Advocates for Wider Retail Access, Citing ‘Freedom of Choice’
A future Conservative government in Canada would reverse the current Liberal policy restricting the sale of nicotine pouches to pharmacies, allowing them to be sold in general retail outlets like corner stores and gas stations. A party spokesperson emphasized the principles of “freedom of choice” for adult Canadians regarding legal products and ensuring access to less harmful alternatives for those trying to quit smoking.
Read moreKedah may soon join other Malaysian states in prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes). Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor expressed his intention to emulate Terengganu’s recent decision and plans to propose the ban at the next state executive council meeting.
Read moreChief Minister Responds to Police Concerns Over Drug Abuse Links
The Penang state government is open to considering a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and vape products, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. However, he clarified that no formal discussions or decisions have yet been made regarding such a prohibition.
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