Belgium’s ban on the online sale of tobacco products, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), has not deterred some sellers from continuing to offer these products through social media platforms and e-commerce marketplaces. In response, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Public Health is implementing strict enforcement measures to combat this illegal activity. The number of cases processed by the FPS Public Health regarding illegal online sales of vapor products has skyrocketed from 824 in 2023 to 6,286 in 2024. The increase in resources and expanded enforcement teams has enabled more targeted inspections and rapid interventions.
Read moreThe Russian government has approved plans by the Finance Ministry to raise the retail prices of cigarettes, vapes, and hookahs, as reported by the Kommersant newspaper. Starting from September 1, 2026, each tobacco retail facility in Russia will require a special license, which will cost up to 60,000 rubles per year, while a wholesale trade license will cost 800,000 rubles and will be valid for five years.
Read moreIndiana lawmakers are grappling with a significant budget challenge as they face a $2.4 billion shortfall. To address this issue, a controversial proposal has emerged: doubling the state’s cigarette tax to $2 per pack.
Read moreThe Balearic Islands have expanded their network of smoke-free beaches, with Muro near Alcudia in northeast Mallorca and Port de Sant Miquel in Ibiza joining the “Smoke-free beaches, healthy beaches” campaign. This brings the total number of smoke-free beaches in the Balearics to 50, as part of a growing trend across Spain to promote healthy habits and protect the environment.
Read moreBryansk Regional Duma Deputy Mikhail Ivanov has called for a comprehensive ban on vaping-related content across social media platforms in Russia. In an appeal to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko, Ivanov highlighted concerns over the uncontrolled promotion of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) online and its impact on youth.
Read moreNew York’s efforts to ban flavored nicotine pouches, such as Zyn, have hit a roadblock due to intense lobbying from the tobacco industry and its allies. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, aimed to prohibit most flavored pouches, except for menthol, in an effort to prevent marketing to children. Flavorless pouches would have remained legal under the bill.
Read moreConsumer advocates and vaping organizations from Greece and across Europe are raising concerns over the Greek Ministry of Health’s proposed ban on all vape flavors except tobacco and menthol. The Greek Vapers’ Alliance and the World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) warn that this measure could undermine the country’s significant progress in reducing smoking rates and jeopardize public health.
Read moreA Florida federal judge has given the green light for key claims to move forward in two consumer class action lawsuits against Philip Morris and its subsidiary, Swedish Match. The lawsuits allege that their Zyn nicotine pouches are deceptively marketed, especially to young people, and cause ongoing health issues.
Read moreVape pens designed to look like highlighters, USB drives, and even soda cans could soon be banned in Texas under a new bill filed in the state legislature. Lawmakers argue that these disguised devices are intentionally aimed at minors, helping them hide vaping habits from parents and teachers.
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