FDA Warns Over 100 Retailers for Selling Unauthorized Youth-Appealing E-Cigarettes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on December 5 that it has issued warning letters to 115 brick-and-mortar retailers for selling unauthorized e-cigarette products. The warning letters specifically cite the sale of disposable e-cigarette products owned by Chinese manufacturers and marketed under popular brand names, including Geek Bar Pulse, Geek Bar Skyview, Geek Bar Platinum, and Elf Bar.

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South Korea’s Synthetic Nicotine Cigarette Regulation Delayed

South Korea’s efforts to regulate synthetic nicotine cigarettes are encountering significant legislative obstacles, with potential implementation now likely pushed to 2025. The proposed amendments to the Tobacco Business Act have stalled in the National Assembly, highlighting complex political and regulatory challenges.

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EU Countries Support Outdoor Vaping Ban Despite Opposition

In a meeting of health ministers in Brussels on Tuesday, European countries largely supported the European Commission’s plan to extend smoking bans for cigarettes and vapes to outdoor areas. This decision comes just days after members of the European Parliament opposed the measure. Germany and Greece were the only two countries to abstain from the vote, while other countries expressed dissatisfaction before ultimately passing the nonbinding recommendation.

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Italy and Romania Oppose EU’s Proposed Outdoor Smoking and Vaping Ban

The European Union is set to introduce tougher anti-smoking regulations, including bans on smoking and vaping in various outdoor areas such as playgrounds and cafe patios. Health ministers from the EU’s 27 member states will discuss the recommendation during their meeting in Brussels on Tuesday.

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Mexican Chamber of Deputies Approves Constitutional Ban on Vaping and Illicit Fentanyl

The Mexican Chamber of Deputies has approved, in general terms, a constitutional amendment to prohibit the use of vaping devices, e-cigarettes, and illicit fentanyl. The measure passed with an overwhelming majority of 410 votes in favor, 24 against, and zero abstentions.

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EU Countries to Push for Outdoor Vaping and Smoking Bans

EU health ministers are set to support stricter anti-smoking rules during their meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, backing bans on smoking and vaping in various outdoor areas, including playgrounds and cafe patios. The ministers will consider a non-binding recommendation that invites member states to crack down on second-hand smoke and vapor, which is likely to be approved despite political divisions on the issue.

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SCOTUS Hears Arguments on Trump-Era FDA Fruit-Flavored Vape Ban

The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) has begun hearing arguments on whether to overturn the Trump-era Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban on fruit-flavored vapes. The current regulations, implemented during the first Trump Administration in 2019, grant the FDA the power to deny marketing applications for fruit and mint flavored e-cigarettes. The ban was introduced in response to record-high youth vaping rates, with fruit-flavored tobacco products seen as a significant contributor to the number of children choosing to vape.

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Illicit Vapes Seized in Scotland Rise 19.4% in 2024

Scotland has witnessed a staggering 19.4% increase in the number of illicit vapes seized between January and October 2024 compared to the entire year of 2023, according to the latest council data obtained by vape retailer Totally Wicked through hundreds of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.

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Turkey to Impose Severe Penalties for E-Cigarette Sales and Alcohol Distillation

The Turkish government has initiated a crackdown on the unregistered trade and smuggling of cigarettes and alcohol, as well as the increasingly popular e-cigarettes among youth. The AK Party, which has been working on new sanctions, will bring the prepared bill to the Parliament in the coming days.

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Vietnam Bans E-cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products Starting 2025

The National Assembly of Vietnam has officially passed a resolution to ban the production, business, import, storage, transport, and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products from 2025. This decision aims to protect public health, especially the health of young people, and has received widespread support from the public. The resolution marks a new era in the prevention and control of tobacco harms in Vietnam.

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