As new forms of tobacco products enter the market, South Carolina lawmakers are grappling with how to tax them appropriately. A recent bill proposes creating a three-tiered system for taxing tobacco products, with heated tobacco falling into a category taxed at less than half the rate of traditional cigarettes.
Read moreIn a move to align with European Union directives, the Estonian parliament, Riigikogu, has passed amendments to the Tobacco Act, prohibiting the sale of flavored and aromatic heated tobacco products in the country. The bill, which was adopted on Wednesday, April 23, received overwhelming support from the deputies, with 68 voting in favor, seven against, and one abstention.
Read moreFrench Polynesia’s Minister of Health, Cédric Mercadal, has presented a draft law aimed at significantly modernizing and strengthening regulations governing tobacco and vaping products across Tahiti and its islands. The proposed legislation focuses on reducing product accessibility and appeal, particularly among minors.
Read moreCustoms investigators in Hamburg, Germany, have dismantled a significant illegal e-cigarette operation, seizing nearly 3,000 liters of illicit vape liquid and preventing an estimated €730,000 in tax losses. Officials announced the successful raid on Wednesday, confirming the provisional arrest of four suspects linked to gang-related tax evasion.
Read moreThe city of Limeira, located in the interior of São Paulo, has become the first in Brazil to implement a law restricting the use of electronic cigarettes in public spaces. The new legislation, which also prohibits the sale and consumption of these devices by minors under the age of 18, aims to protect the health of citizens and prevent young people from starting to consume nicotine products.
The law, approved by the City Council and sanctioned by the city government, will come into effect in 30 days, allowing residents and commercial establishments to adapt to the new rules. This pioneering initiative could serve as a model for other Brazilian cities seeking to regulate the use of electronic cigarettes and protect public health.
The measure seeks to safeguard the population, especially young people, from the potential harm caused by electronic cigarettes. By banning the use of these devices in public places, Limeira aims to ensure a healthier environment free from harmful substances. The expectation is that the law will contribute to reducing the consumption of these devices and raising awareness about their risks.
Councilman Nilton César dos Santos (Republicans) initially proposed the legislation, which was subsequently approved by the City Council and the City Hall. The anti-smoking law already prohibits this type of consumption, and this new law reinforces that stance.
Comprehensive Scope and Enforcement
Limeira’s legislation prohibits the use of vapes and similar products by minors under 18 years of age and restricts consumption in all public places in the city, whether open or closed. The ban also extends to private establishments for collective use, such as bars, restaurants, and cinemas.
The law specifies several locations where the use of e-cigarettes will be prohibited, including:
- Squares
- Gyms
- Schools
- Exhibition spaces
- Bars and restaurants
- Nightclubs
- Hotels
- Supermarkets
- Workplaces
- Common areas of condominiums
This comprehensive scope aims to ensure that the restriction is effective and that the population is protected from exposure to these products.
Establishments that fail to comply with the law will face notifications and penalties, the amounts of which will be defined by decree. Those responsible for the establishments must also:
- Post informative posters about the law and the risks of using electronic cigarettes
- Monitor the premises and warn offenders
- Request the removal of those who insist on failing to comply with the rule
The city government of Limeira will be responsible for monitoring compliance with the law and applying the sanctions provided for in the event of non-compliance. The effectiveness of the law will depend on the collaboration of the population and the engagement of commercial establishments in promoting awareness and compliance with the rules.
Alignment with National Legislation
Although Limeira is the first city to implement a specific law against e-cigarettes, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has already banned the sale of these products throughout the country. Anvisa also updated the ruling to reinforce the ban on the manufacture, import, sale, distribution, storage, transportation, and advertising of e-cigarettes in Brazil.
The “anti-smoking law,” passed in 1996, also prohibits smoking in closed public spaces. Limeira’s legislation complements this law, making monitoring more rigorous at the municipal level. The measure could serve as inspiration for other cities that want to strengthen control over the use of electronic cigarettes and protect the health of their citizens.
A Step Forward in Public Health Protection
The ban on electronic cigarettes in Brazil is justified by the lack of quality control and oversight of these products, as well as their growing popularity, especially among young people. Studies indicate that electronic cigarettes can be even more harmful to health than traditional cigarettes, due to the high frequency of use and the potential harm caused to minors.
Limeira’s decision to ban e-cigarettes in public places and for people under 18 represents a significant step forward in protecting public health. This measure, in line with Anvisa regulations, seeks to reduce the consumption of these devices and their potential harm, especially among young people.
As the first Brazilian city to take such a bold stand, Limeira’s pioneering initiative could inspire other cities to adopt similar measures, paving the way for a healthier future for all. By prioritizing the well-being of its citizens and taking proactive steps to address the risks associated with e-cigarettes, Limeira has set a powerful example for the rest of the country to follow.
Greece’s conservative government is preparing a bill that would ban all flavored alternative tobacco products, with the exception of natural tobacco and mint flavors, as part of a broader effort to restrict minors’ access to alcohol and tobacco products. The move follows incidents of teenagers fainting in a nightclub after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, highlighting the need for stricter regulations to protect young people.
Read moreRussia has seen a significant decline in the number of smokers since 2009, with the smoking rate among adults aged 15 and above dropping from 39.5% to 18.6%, according to Health Minister Mikhail Murashko. The minister credited the success to the implementation of anti-tobacco measures in the country. The announcement was made during the 2nd All-Russian Municipal Forum, “Small Homeland – the Strength of Russia,” which was held at the Russia National Center from April 21-23, bringing together representatives from various sectors to discuss issues related to the development and support of municipal entities.
News source: Russia’s smoking rate halved since 2009, says health ministry
The Louisiana House Ways and Means Committee has taken a split stance on tobacco taxation, approving a bill to increase the state tax on vapes and e-cigarettes while rejecting a proposal to raise the tax on traditional cigarettes. The vote against the cigarette tax hike was 7-4, while the legislation to increase the tax on vapes and e-cigarettes, sponsored by Vacherie Representative Ken Brass, passed with a 9-6 vote.
Read moreThe Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced a noteworthy decrease in the rate of underage tobacco and vape sales by retailers in 2024. According to the annual Synar Survey, a statewide assessment of retailer violation rates, the percentage of retailers selling to underage consumers dropped from 13.6% in 2023 to 11.8% in 2024. Despite this improvement, public health officials emphasize that the rate remains unacceptably high and that continued efforts are necessary to maintain the downward trend.
Read moreAcross the country, flashy and highly publicized conventions are showcasing an endless array of products that are not only illegal under federal law but also dangerous, addictive, and targeting America’s youth. At a recent expo in Miami, a dazzling display of e-cigarettes, or vapes, featured a wide range of enticing flavors, from Banana Taffy and Blueberry Milk to Gummy Rush and Tropical Gush.
Read moreAbout Ecigator
About Us
Business
- Authentication Check
- Press Release
- Store Location
- Vape Online Store