As South Africa grapples with a significant increase in combustible tobacco smoking rates, the vaping industry is calling for a shift towards “smarter, evidence-based” nicotine policies. This plea comes as Parliament holds public consultations on the stringent Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, which seeks to impose stricter regulations on product processing, advertising, and packaging for both traditional tobacco and electronic delivery systems, including nicotine and non-nicotine vapes.
Read moreIndonesia is grappling with a severe public health crisis as the number of active smokers reaches 70 million, with an alarming 7.4% of teenagers aged 10-18 now using tobacco. The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has warned that without decisive action, overall smoking prevalence could hit 37.5% by 2025. This concerning trend is exacerbated by a tenfold increase in e-cigarette (vape) use by 2023 and a dramatic surge in child smokers, some initiating the habit as young as four years old.
Read moreThe Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta, in collaboration with the regional legislature (DPRD), is finalizing a comprehensive Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) on Smoke-Free Areas (Kawasan Tanpa Rokok – KTR). This new legislation aims to significantly strengthen public health protections by strictly regulating locations where smoking is prohibited and introducing substantial administrative sanctions for violations. Crucially, the DPRD, with support from the Governor, is pushing for these regulations to treat vaping (e-cigarette use) on par with conventional smoking, subjecting it to the same restrictions and penalties.
Read moreAlabama has ushered in a new era of nicotine regulation with the enactment of House Bill 8 (HB8). Signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey and effective from June 1st, this comprehensive legislation introduces sweeping changes that will significantly reshape how nicotine products, particularly vapes and e-cigarettes, are sold, marketed, and regulated across the state. This guide breaks down the key components of HB8, exploring what these new rules mean for retailers, manufacturers, and vape enthusiasts in Alabama.
Read morePahang 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.
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