A coalition of Georgia lawmakers and prominent public health organizations is intensifying efforts to raise the state’s cigarette tax, which currently stands as the second-lowest in the nation. Advocates argue that an increase would not only discourage smoking and improve public health outcomes but also generate significant revenue to help offset the substantial healthcare costs associated with smoking-related illnesses. This renewed push comes as federal budget cuts impact state-level tobacco prevention programs.
Read moreThe City Council of Salta, Argentina, has approved a new ordinance declaring the city “Free of Tobacco Smoke and Electronic Device Emissions.” This measure, passed on Wednesday, prohibits both traditional smoking and the use of vaping devices (e-cigarettes) in numerous enclosed public and private access spaces.
Read moreDoctors in the Netherlands are threatening legal action against social media platform Snapchat, holding it responsible for facilitating the illegal sale of vapes, particularly to young people. This move comes after a ban on disposable vapes with sweet flavors took effect in the Netherlands on January 1, 2024, permitting only tobacco-flavored products in an effort to discourage youth vaping.
Read moreSlovakia’s Ministry of Health has announced plans to ban the sale of most flavored nicotine products and all disposable electronic cigarettes. The proposed prohibition targets tobacco products with distinct flavors considered attractive to youth, aiming to curb underage vaping.
Read moreCroatia is set to introduce a new excise duty on e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes (vapes) and increase existing taxes on other tobacco products, effective July 1st. The move, part of a government decree amending excise regulations, has caused significant concern among vape retailers, who warn it could lead to drastic price hikes and potentially the end of business for many.
Read moreSouth Korea is grappling with increasing e-cigarette use, especially among young people, prompting calls from bodies like the National Assembly Research Service for urgent regulatory action. A key concern is the current legal loophole for synthetic nicotine, which is not classified as a tobacco product under existing laws, thereby evading tobacco taxes and stricter sales regulations.
Read moreAs South Africa grapples with a significant increase in combustible tobacco smoking rates, the vaping industry is calling for a shift towards “smarter, evidence-based” nicotine policies. This plea comes as Parliament holds public consultations on the stringent Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, which seeks to impose stricter regulations on product processing, advertising, and packaging for both traditional tobacco and electronic delivery systems, including nicotine and non-nicotine vapes.
Read moreIndonesia is grappling with a severe public health crisis as the number of active smokers reaches 70 million, with an alarming 7.4% of teenagers aged 10-18 now using tobacco. The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has warned that without decisive action, overall smoking prevalence could hit 37.5% by 2025. This concerning trend is exacerbated by a tenfold increase in e-cigarette (vape) use by 2023 and a dramatic surge in child smokers, some initiating the habit as young as four years old.
Read moreThe Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta, in collaboration with the regional legislature (DPRD), is finalizing a comprehensive Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) on Smoke-Free Areas (Kawasan Tanpa Rokok – KTR). This new legislation aims to significantly strengthen public health protections by strictly regulating locations where smoking is prohibited and introducing substantial administrative sanctions for violations. Crucially, the DPRD, with support from the Governor, is pushing for these regulations to treat vaping (e-cigarette use) on par with conventional smoking, subjecting it to the same restrictions and penalties.
Read moreAlabama has ushered in a new era of nicotine regulation with the enactment of House Bill 8 (HB8). Signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey and effective from June 1st, this comprehensive legislation introduces sweeping changes that will significantly reshape how nicotine products, particularly vapes and e-cigarettes, are sold, marketed, and regulated across the state. This guide breaks down the key components of HB8, exploring what these new rules mean for retailers, manufacturers, and vape enthusiasts in Alabama.
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