Liquor traders in South Africa are raising concerns about the significant business impact of the new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill currently being processed by the Department of Health. The bill proposes a complete ban on all indoor smoking and vaping, and also restricts use in certain outdoor areas, a move that traders say will be costly and difficult to implement.
Read moreRussia’s State Duma is set to consider a new legislative initiative that would completely ban both the wholesale and retail sale of all vapes and electronic cigarettes. The bill, proposed by deputies Sergey Mironov and Yana Lantratova, aims to address the widespread use of these devices, particularly among teenagers.
Read moreThe Perak state government is targeting October to enforce a statewide ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vapes. A. Sivanesan, chairman of the state’s human resources and health committee, announced that a working paper on the matter is currently being drafted by the state health department.
Read moreThe U.S. Supreme Court has sided with e-cigarette companies in a 7-2 decision, making it easier for them to challenge Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decisions that block their products from the market. The ruling gives companies more control over which courts hear their lawsuits, a practice critics call “judge shopping.”
Read moreLaw Effective July 1, 2025, Toughens Carding, Adds Tax, and Imposes Severe Penalties for Underage Sales
Read moreBelgium is urging European Union member states to support a ban on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes across the entire EU. Speaking at a Health Council meeting in Luxembourg, Belgian Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Frank Vandenbroucke declared his government’s intent to combat the appeal of these products, particularly to young people.
Read moreKazakhstan is ramping up its efforts to combat the illegal trade and use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) as offenses related to these products continue to rise, particularly among young people. According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, over 268 criminal offenses involving vapes have been registered since the beginning of 2025, with a significant portion concerning illicit trade and sales to minors under 18.
The country has established strict penalties for vape-related violations. The sale and distribution of vapes can lead to fines of up to 200 Monthly Calculation Index (MCI) units (approximately 738,400 tenge), community service, or arrest for up to 50 days. More severe penalties apply to the import and production of vapes, with fines reaching up to 2,000 MCI (around 7.3 million tenge), community service, or imprisonment for up to two years. If these crimes are committed by organized groups, involve exceptionally large profits, or are repeat offenses, fines can escalate to 5,000 MCI (18.4 million tenge), with potential imprisonment of up to five years.
The Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM) reported that since the start of the year, 14 individuals have been convicted for the underground sale and production of smoking devices. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to strengthen control over this sector. Recent enforcement actions highlight the scale of the issue:
- In Astana, a 20-year-old was caught illegally selling over 40 vapes through a hookah shop, taking orders via a Telegram channel and using couriers for delivery.
- Also in Astana, a 29-year-old man was found to have been illegally selling vapes in a tobacco shop for several years, with 77 vapes seized. He reportedly ordered prohibited substances in bulk via Telegram, selling individual vapes for 9,000 to 17,000 tenge.
- During a special operation (“OPM Darmek”), officers identified a 35-year-old citizen suspected of illegal vape distribution and shut down an online store. Over 160 vapes were found stored in a utility room, with the suspect admitting to continuing sales via social media and couriers even after the official ban, at prices ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 tenge per vape.
Alongside these criminal enforcement efforts, authorities are also tackling violations of public order rules related to vaping in public places like schools and parks, particularly in large cities such as Astana and Almaty, which have high concentrations of young people. To address the rising use among youth, Kazakhstan is organizing preventive information campaigns in educational institutions aimed at raising awareness about the negative health consequences of vaping.
- News source: Vape Business: How Kazakhstan Fights Illegal Trade
Vape businesses and consumer associations in Indonesia are raising strong objections to a draft regional regulation (Raperda) by the Jakarta Provincial Government that proposes to treat electronic cigarettes (vapes) on par with combustible tobacco cigarettes within its Smoke-Free Area (KTR) policy. The Indonesian Vape Consumer Association (Akvindo) argues that equating these distinct products is a misguided policy that ignores scientific evidence on harm reduction and could unfairly restrict adult consumers’ access to less harmful alternatives.
Read moreThe Bulgarian Parliament has voted to prohibit the marketing of disposable electronic cigarettes (vapes), regardless of nicotine content, in a significant move to tighten regulations on emerging nicotine products. The measure, adopted at its second reading with strong support (133 for, 30 against, 8 abstentions), is part of broader amendments to the Act on Tobacco, Tobacco and Related Products.
Read moreDenver’s comprehensive ban on flavored tobacco products, including flavored vapes, menthol cigarettes, Zyn nicotine pouches, flavored cigars, chew, and snus, has ignited a fierce debate between public health advocates and local businesses. While the ordinance, sponsored by City Councilmembers Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Shontel Lewis, and Darrell Watson, passed with an 11-1 vote and was signed into law by Mayor Mike Johnston, its full implementation faces a significant hurdle: a potential repeal by voters in the November 2025 election.
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