Kazakhstan 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.
Read moreVape 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.
Read moreThe city of Arroyo Grande, California, is advancing a measure to implement a total ban on the distribution of all e-cigarettes (vapes), including those previously approved by the FDA. This move aims to close existing loopholes and simplify enforcement against the sale of these products, particularly to prevent youth access.
Read moreA legislative committee in Costa Rica has shelved Bill 24.624, which aimed to regulate the use of e-cigarettes (vapers) nationwide. The Commission of Social Affairs of the Legislative Assembly voted 5 against and 2 in favor of archiving the initiative, citing concerns with the bill’s current wording and approach, despite acknowledging the growing and complex reality of vaping.
Read moreThe Croatian Government has approved significant amendments to its Law on Tobacco and Related Products, introducing a comprehensive ban on all characterizing aromas in heated tobacco products and extending existing prohibitions to cover flavored vapes and nicotine pouches. The new legislation also explicitly bans the sale of all such products to individuals under the age of 18.
Read moreThe UK’s nationwide ban on disposable vapes, which took effect on June 1, 2025, resulted in an immediate £5 million loss in sales within the vaping category for convenience stores in its first week. Despite the prohibition, over £1 million worth of illegal disposable vape sales still occurred, according to new data from Talysis, a specialist convenience insight agency, and its EPoS data arm, Convenience Data UK (CD:UK).
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Read moreMontana has enacted Senate Bill 390, a new state law that expands the existing Clean Indoor Air Act to prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) in most indoor public places and workplaces. This change, sponsored by Sen. Willis Curdy (D-Missoula) and signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte in May, effectively makes “smoke-free” also mean “vape-free” across the state.
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