As 2023 ends, several countries have passed new vape regulations set to take effect on/after January 1, 2024. These incoming laws include restrictions on flavors, marketing tactics, taxes and more. Here’s an in-depth look at some key vape regulations worldwide and their potential impacts. Read more

Kyrgyzstan is considering legislation to institute a nationwide ban on vapes and e-cigarettes. However, experts argue this could ignorantly stifle harm reduction efforts while fueling hazardous black market trade. Read more

Seeking to curb illegal vaping, Singapore authorities will soon begin stop and search enforcement against arriving tourists found traveling with e-cigarettes or vape gear.

Operations launch at Changi Airport, subjecting deplaning visitors to checks for vapes or components. Anyone caught possessing electronic cigarettes faces heavy fines under existing law. Read more

Concerned over growing youth addiction, Lithuania recently passed legislation prohibiting the import of vape liquids containing added sweeteners or sugar starting November 2024.

On December 15th, 2023, the Lithuanian parliament (Seimas) overwhelmingly voted to amend existing tobacco control laws, banning future imports of sweetened nicotine e-liquids for electronic cigarettes. Read more

As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2024, Belgium ushered in a new era for vapers with the introduction of a tax on e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes. The tax, set at 15 cents per milliliter, has sparked controversy among users and retailers who fear it may lead to higher costs and drive some back to traditional tobacco cigarettes.

The federal Finance Minister’s spokesperson defended the tax, pointing out that it aligns with Germany’s tax rate, which is also set to increase in the coming years. They emphasized that the goal is not to encourage a return to smoking but to recognize that e-cigarettes are also tobacco products and should be viewed as a temporary aid in quitting smoking.

Despite these assurances, many in the vaping community remain skeptical about the potential impact of the new tax. As Belgium navigates this uncharted territory, only time will tell how the measure will affect the country’s vapers and the broader fight against tobacco use.

New source: Belgium to Implement New Tax on E-Liquids Amidst Criticisms

A new public health law going into effect in Ireland prohibits retailers from selling vapes and e-cigarettes to anyone under age 18. First announced by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly earlier this year, the legislation aims to curb rising youth vaping rates. Read more

The Bulgarian government has proposed a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes with characteristic taste-aromatic qualities and flavorings in any of their constituent parts, such as filters, paper, packaging, capsules, or other technical elements. The Council of Ministers submitted the bill for amendments to the Law on Tobacco and Tobacco-Related Products to the Parliament’s Registry on October 2nd. Read more

The Portuguese Parliament’s working group on smoking has approved the transposition of the European directive on smoking into Portuguese law, aligning the country with European Union regulations. Portugal faced the urgency to adopt the directive to avoid breaching EU requirements. Read more

A sweeping statewide prohibition on vaping within indoor establishments takes effect January 1st in Illinois. Legislators recently expanded existing smoke-free air laws to finally encapsulate e-cigarette usage.

Chief bill sponsor, Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) helped push the amendment’s approval through Springfield earlier this year. “We’ve made progress de-normalizing tobacco perceptions, and I’m proud e-cigarettes now join usage bans protecting public health,” she stated. Read more

With new vaping regulations set to take effect on December 21st, 2023 in New Zealand, millions of soon-to-be noncompliant disposable vape products face an uncertain fate. Retailers prepare to absorb significant losses either destroying stock or selling at steep discounts before the rules kick in. Read more