Indiana Senator Introduces Generational Tobacco Ban Bill

Indiana State Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, has introduced a bill that aims to implement a generational tobacco ban in the state. If passed, SB 322 would prohibit anyone born after June 30, 2004, from purchasing tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or e-liquids in Indiana.

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Dallas Expands Smoking Ban to Include Vaping

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The Dallas City Council has officially approved the expansion of the city’s smoking laws to include vaping and the use of electronic devices. This significant move aims to prohibit vaping in the same areas where traditional smoking is already banned. The new rules, which will take effect on December 11, 2025, after a one-year grace period for businesses to comply, are designed to ensure that all residents can enjoy cleaner air and a more pleasant environment.

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Ireland’s New Vape and Tobacco License Fees Take Effect February 2nd 2025

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On February 2nd, 2025, Ireland’s new licensing system for retailers selling vapes and tobacco products will come into effect. The annual license fee, set at €800 for vape sellers and €1,000 for tobacco sellers, is expected to play a vital role in cracking down on the illicit sales of these products, particularly to minors.

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Australia Perth Council Considers Expanding Smoke-Free Zones

The City of Vincent, an inner-city council located just 3km from Perth’s CBD, is contemplating the expansion of smoke-free zones as a response to the worrying increase in vape popularity. The council, which banned smoking in five town centres in late 2022, now considers vaping to be more prevalent than traditional cigarette smoking.

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Philippines DTI Enforces Regulations on Vape and HTP

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has begun implementing regulations on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, as well as Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), in line with DAO No. 22-06 (2022) and DAO No. 24-02 (2024). The DTI mandates businesses to obtain a valid Philippine Standard (PS) License for all covered products by December 31, 2024.

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Cluj-Napoca Considers Becoming First Romanian City to Ban Smoking in Public Spaces

Cluj-Napoca, a city in northwestern Romania, may soon become the country’s first to prohibit smoking in public spaces such as parks, playgrounds, and even streets. Mayor Emil Boc announced the initiative, emphasizing that the measure should be implemented gradually following a public debate.

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Switzerland Geneva Lawmakers Propose Bill to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes

Following in the footsteps of Jura and Valais, the canton of Geneva may soon ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, commonly known as “vapes”, “puffs.” Two members of the Grand Council, Louise Trottet (Green Party) and Raphaël Dunand (Libertés et Justice Sociale), have introduced a bill on Saturday to prohibit these products.

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Maine Governor Proposes 50% Tax Hike on Cigars and Tobacco Products

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On Friday(01/10/2025), Maine Governor Janet Mills unveiled her biennial budget proposal, which includes a significant increase in the state’s tobacco taxes to balance spending with revenue. The governor aims to raise the cigarette tax from its current rate of $2 per pack, which was last adjusted in 2005, to $3 per pack. Maine currently has the lowest cigarette tax, the highest adult smoking rate, and the second-highest youth smoking rate in New England, which Governor Mills cites as justification for the proposed tax hike.

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Kyrgyzstan Restricts Tobacco, E-Cigarettes, and Nicotine Products in Bishkek FEZ

President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic signed into law amendments to the “On Free Economic Zones” Law on November 20, 2024. The Zhogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament, had previously adopted these changes to support entrepreneurs, ensure fair competition, and resolve legal contradictions arising from the Tax Code.

The amended law clarifies the permitted activities for entities operating within the Special Economic Zones (SEZs). It generally prohibits the production and sale of excisable goods, with the following exceptions:

  1. Tobacco products (TN VED 2402) manufactured by companies registered in the FEZ before 2000 are subject to excise tax and VAT when imported into the rest of Kyrgyzstan.
  2. Nicotine-containing products, such as disposable e-cigarettes and similar devices (HS 2404 and 8543 40 000 0), face restrictions on export to the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic.
  3. Certain waters, including mineral and carbonated waters containing added sugar, sweeteners, or flavorings (HS code 2202), are subject to excise tax and VAT when sold outside the SEZ.

The amendments aim to strike a balance between supporting businesses within the Bishkek FEZ and maintaining a level playing field for companies operating elsewhere in Kyrgyzstan. The law ensures that excisable goods produced in the FEZ do not gain an unfair advantage over those manufactured in other parts of the country.

Dominican Deputies Send E-Cigarette Regulation Bill Back to Committee

The Chamber of Deputies has sent the bill regulating the sale of non-combustible nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, back to committee during today’s session. The decision came after opposing views from deputies Selinée Méndez, Charly Mariotti Jr., Ignacio Aracena, and Soraya Suárez.

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