Pahang has become the latest Malaysian state to prohibit the sale and use of electronic cigarettes (vapes), with the ban taking immediate effect. The decision follows a fatwa issued by the Pahang Mufti’s Department prohibiting vape use, which was formally conveyed to the State Legal Adviser’s Office in March.
Read moreKyrgyzstan’s Minister of Health, Erkin Checheybaev, has called for an increase in excise taxes on tobacco products to improve public health, particularly for the younger generation. Speaking at an intersectoral meeting in Bishkek on June 10, 2025, focused on effective ways to reduce tobacco and nicotine consumption, the minister emphasized that higher prices would make these products less accessible to children and adolescents.
Read moreThe Polish Senate is set to review amendments to the “Tobacco Act” tomorrow, aiming to expand the ban on selling nicotine products to individuals under 18, regardless of nicotine content. The new regulations will cover all types of e-cigarettes (including nicotine-free ones), refill containers, and nicotine pouches.
Read moreSouth Australia has implemented what are being called the nation’s toughest penalties for businesses selling illicit tobacco and vaping products. The new laws, championed by the Malinauskas Labor Government, grant police greater enforcement powers, create new offenses with significantly increased fines for supply and possession, and allow for longer premises closure orders.
Read moreThe Lithuanian Seimas (parliament) has rejected a legislative proposal aimed at raising the minimum age for possessing, using, and selling tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and their refills from 18 to 21 years. The amendments to the Law on Control of Tobacco, Tobacco Products and Related Products were introduced by Jurgita Sejonienė, a member of the Seimas Health Affairs Committee.
The proposal, which would have taken effect from early 2029, sought to align Lithuania with a growing number of countries adopting a “Tobacco 21” policy. Proponents argued it would positively impact public health by reducing smoking-related diseases and deaths, including lung cancer. However, the bill failed to pass, with 26 deputies voting in favor, 30 against, and 30 abstaining. The Seimas also did not agree to further refine the initiative.
- Read more: Lithuania Implements New Tobacco and Related Product Sales Regulations Starting January 1, 2025
Critics like Liberal MP Andrius Bagdonas questioned the move, stating it was an attempt to “discriminate against young people” by implying they cannot make rational decisions. Conversely, former Seimas speaker Viktoras Pranckietis supported the bill, noting, “This law would have allowed [young people] not to start smoking until the age of 21.” Currently, the legal age for purchasing and consuming tobacco and e-cigarettes in Lithuania remains 18.
The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) is strongly urging the Federal Government to emulate New Zealand’s approach to vape regulation, advocating for regulated retail access to these products as smoking cessation tools. This call follows comments from New Zealand’s Minister for Customs and Associate Minister for Health, Casey Costello, who highlighted her country’s success in reducing both smoking and vaping rates through controlled access.
Read moreThe Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) is currently in the evaluation phase for smoking product registrations, including for vape products, submitted under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). Dr. Hairul Nizam Abd Hamid, senior principal assistant director at the MOH’s disease control division, stated that the registration window, open from October 2024 to April 2025, has closed, with approvals anticipated by October 1, 2025.
Read moreThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released six updated or new forms required for submitting new tobacco product applications through the Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) and Substantial Equivalence (SE) pathways. Effective July 6, 2025, all applicants must use these revised forms for their submissions. The agency stated that failure to use the latest versions or complete them properly will generally result in the FDA refusing to accept the application.
Read moreThe Czech Ministry of Health has introduced draft regulations aimed at significantly tightening restrictions on electronic cigarettes, with a strong focus on preventing youth uptake. The proposed measures, which require European Commission approval, seek to ban e-cigarettes and their refills that resemble toys or sweets, or feature images of animals or characters known to appeal to minors. Packaging with cartoon aesthetics, gaming references, or fantasy motifs would also be prohibited.
Read moreBrazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has reinforced its comprehensive ban on electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes, in 2024. This decision, unanimously upheld by the agency’s directors, maintains the existing prohibition on the manufacturing, importation, commercialization, distribution, and advertising of these devices, a policy originally established in 2009.
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