South Korea Regulates Synthetic Nicotine as Tobacco 2026

South Korea has amended its Tobacco Business Act to legally classify synthetic nicotine as tobacco, effective April 24, 2025. This closes a long-standing regulatory loophole, subjecting these products to the same taxes, sales restrictions, and advertising bans as traditional cigarettes, significantly impacting their price and availability.

Key Takeaways:

  • Legal Definition: Synthetic nicotine is now legally “tobacco.”
  • Tax Impact: A 30ml bottle of e-liquid will face approx. 54,000 won ($39) in taxes.
  • Sales Restrictions: Online sales are banned; retail distance rules apply.
  • Youth Protection: Measures aim to curb youth access and unmanned shop proliferation.
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NJOY Wins Final Vape Patent Battle at UPC Court of Appeal

NJOY secured a final victory in its long-running patent dispute when the Unified Patent Court (UPC) Court of Appeal in Luxembourg revoked VMR’s patent EP 3 456 214 in its entirety. The court ruled that the patent lacked an inventive step, overturning a previous decision by the European Patent Office (EPO). This ruling concludes a series of revocation actions NJOY filed against Juul Labs and VMR involving nine different vaporizer patents.

Key Takeaways:

  • Final Ruling: The UPC Court of Appeal revoked patent EP 3 456 214, ending the litigation.
  • Broad Dispute: NJOY originally challenged nine patents; all have now been revoked or invalidated.
  • EPO Alignment: Parallel proceedings at the EPO also resulted in the revocation of key Juul patents.
  • Legal Teams: McDermott Will & Schulte represented NJOY, while Thum IP and Bardehle Pagenberg defended VMR/Juul.
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Federal Judge Blocks Virginia Vape Law: Relief for Small Businesses

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A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the enforcement of Virginia’s new vape law penalties because the legislation may conflict with federal rules and could cause irreparable economic harm to small businesses. This ruling allows shops to continue selling current inventory without fines while the constitutionality of the law is reviewed in court.

Key Takeaways:

  • Legal Block: Judge David J. Novak halted enforcement of fines and penalties pending further court review.
  • Business Relief: Vape shops can temporarily continue sales of non-registered products without risk of $1,000/day fines.
  • Conflict Concerns: The judge cited potential conflicts with federal regulations and economic damage to small retailers.
  • Uncertain Future: The law, favoring large brands like Juul, remains in legal limbo, leaving the market uncertain.
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Russia Civic Chamber Opposes Generational Tobacco Ban

A “generational ban” on tobacco sales is unlikely to solve smoking issues in Russia and may violate human rights, according to the Civic Chamber. Vladislav Grib argues that such measures create inequality among citizens based on birth year and will not prevent access to tobacco, as older individuals could simply purchase it for younger ones.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ineffective Strategy: Bans based on birth year won’t stop consumption; secondary supply channels will emerge.
  • Rights Violation: Creating two classes of citizens based on age is seen as discriminatory.
  • Global Context: Similar bans have faced challenges or rejection in the UK, New Zealand, and Malaysia.
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Pakistan Proposes Ban on Vapes for Under-18s & Near Schools

a new bill is set to be tabled in the Pakistani Senate seeking to strictly regulate electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in Islamabad. The proposed legislation aims to ban the sale of vapes and e-cigarettes to anyone under 18, prohibit sales near educational institutions, and restrict usage in public spaces.

Key Takeaways:

  • Age Restriction: Sales to individuals under 18 will be illegal.
  • School Buffer Zone: No vape sales within 50 meters of schools or colleges.
  • Public Ban: Vaping prohibited in public transport, parks, and government offices.
  • Advertising Ban: Complete ban on ads across TV, social media, and billboards.
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Russia Proposes Higher Fines for Public Smoking & Vaping

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A new proposal in Russia seeks to significantly increase administrative fines for smoking and vaping in public places. The initiative, led by the “Healthy Fatherland” movement, aims to expand prohibited zones to include parks and embankments and introduce stricter penalties for repeat offenders to better protect public health.

Key Takeaways:

  • Higher Fines: Proposal to raise penalties for smoking/vaping in public.
  • Expanded Bans: New restrictions suggested for parks, squares, and waterfronts.
  • Repeat Offenses: Stricter liability for multiple violations within a year.
  • Enhanced Control: Calls for tighter enforcement by police and Rospotrebnadzor.
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Will Malaysia Ban Open Pod Vape Systems in 2026?

Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) is aiming to implement a ban on open pod vape systems within this year. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad has confirmed that enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) is a priority to curb the abuse of synthetic drugs and protect public health.

Key Takeaways:

  • Targeted Ban: The initial focus is on banning the sale and use of open pod systems.
  • Health Rationale: The move aims to prevent NCDs and conditions like “popcorn lung.”
  • Drug Abuse Concerns: Open systems are being targeted due to their misuse with synthetic drugs.
  • Cabinet Review: The proposal will be presented to the Cabinet soon.
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Croatia Raises Tobacco & Vape Taxes: Prices Up in New Year

Croatia has implemented new excise duties on tobacco and vaping products effective from the start of the new year, leading to price increases of up to 20 cents per pack of cigarettes. The government aims to generate nearly €130 million in additional revenue and discourage smoking, though concerns about the black market persist.

Key Takeaways:

  • Price Hike: Cigarettes, tobacco, and e-liquids are now more expensive.
  • Revenue Goal: The state expects ~€130 million in extra income.
  • Health Focus: Measures aim to curb smoking, which kills ~14,000 annually in Croatia.
  • Youth Concern: High e-cigarette use among teens (33% of 15-16 year-olds) is a key issue.
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How Many Pakistanis Use Vapes? 1.2 Million Users Revealed

Over 1.2 million Pakistanis are estimated to use vaping devices, according to a 2026 Gallup Pakistan survey. Despite this usage, general public awareness remains low, with only 17% of respondents familiar with e-cigarettes. The study identifies youth as the most affected demographic, driven largely by fashion trends and experimentation.

Key Takeaways:

  • User Base: 1.2 million+ active vapers estimated nationwide.
  • Low Awareness: Only 17% of the population has heard of vaping.
  • Youth Impact: 45% of respondents see youth as the primary group affected.
  • Key Drivers: Fashion (41%) and experimentation (15%) fuel youth uptake.
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Russia Raises Tobacco Excise Taxes for 2026: Prices Set to Rise

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Starting in 2026, Russia will significantly increase excise taxes on tobacco products, leading to higher prices for consumers. The tax on cigarettes will rise by over 11%, while other tobacco products will see an increase of around 7%. This move aims to boost federal budget revenue to over 1 trillion rubles and potentially reduce smoking rates.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cigarette Tax Hike: Excise rates for cigarettes will increase by 11.3%.
  • Heated Tobacco & Vapes: Taxes on heated tobacco and e-liquids will also rise.
  • Budget Boost: Expected revenue from tobacco excise taxes is projected to exceed 1 trillion rubles in 2026.
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