Kyrgyzstan Parliament Recalls Vape Ban Bill for Revision

The Kyrgyz Parliament’s Committee on Social Policy recalled the bill banning electronic cigarettes and vapes for revision on January 13, 2026. This decision aims to address concerns that a total ban could fuel smuggling and reduce tax revenue. The bill will be amended to incorporate feedback before being resubmitted for discussion.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bill Recalled: Legislation banning vapes and nicotine delivery systems was withdrawn for rework.
  • Economic Concerns: Officials fear a full ban would increase contraband and cut budget receipts.
  • Next Steps: The revised bill will be presented to the Jogorku Kenesh after incorporating suggestions.
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China Regulates Nicotine Pouches as Cigarettes: New STMA Rules

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China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) has announced that smokeless tobacco products, including nicotine pouches, will now be regulated as strictly as cigarettes. This move aims to close regulatory gaps, protect consumers, and enforce licensing requirements, effectively banning unlicensed production and sales.

Key Takeaways:

  • Strict Classification: Smokeless products are now managed like cigarettes or cut tobacco.
  • Broad Scope: Includes nicotine pouches, chewing tobacco, snuff, and dissolvable tobacco.
  • Licensing Mandate: Production and sale without an STMA license are strictly prohibited.
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How Much Will Cigarettes Cost in Austria After the 2026 Tax Hike?

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Cigarette prices in Austria are set to rise significantly starting February 2026 due to a government tax increase. Popular brands like Marlboro will hit the €7.00 mark for the first time, while other brands like Camel will see increases of up to 30 cents per pack. This measure aims to generate additional state revenue and includes alternative products like nicotine pouches and vapes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Price Hikes: Marlboro reaches €7.00; Camel rises to €6.80.
  • Tax Revenue: The government expects an additional €100 million in revenue.
  • Scope: Tax increases also affect nicotine pouches and vapes.
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California Requires Thirdhand Smoke Disclosure in Home Sales

California’s Assembly Bill 455, effective January 1, 2025, requires home sellers to disclose known thirdhand smoke hazards to buyers. This pioneering law aims to protect residents from toxic residues left by smoking and vaping on indoor surfaces, which can persist for years and pose serious health risks.

Key Takeaways:

  • First in World: California is the first state to mandate thirdhand smoke disclosure in real estate.
  • Toxic Legacy: Residues like nicotine and lead embed in walls and carpets, lasting the life of the building.
  • Seller Liability: Failure to disclose known hazards can lead to litigation.
  • Health Risks: Exposure increases risks of cancer and respiratory illness, especially for children.
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Vaping to be Banned in Islamabad? New Bill Explained

Vaping faces significant restrictions in Islamabad under the proposed Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Regulation) Bill. The legislation aims to ban sales near educational institutions, prohibit use in public spaces, and strictly regulate advertising to curb youth access. It has been approved by the Senate Standing Committee for presentation in the House.

Key Takeaways:

  • School Ban: Sales prohibited within 50 meters of schools and colleges.
  • Public Use: Vaping banned in public transport, parks, and government buildings.
  • Advertising: Total ban on all forms of vape advertising, including social media.
  • Safety Standards: Nicotine capped at 40 mg/ml; child-resistant packaging required.
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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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