A new Texas law taking effect January 1st bans vape manufacturers and shops from using cartoons, celebrities, or kid-friendly imagery when marketing electronic cigarettes.
Known as House Bill 4758 or the Protecting Children from Electronic Cigarette Advertising Act, the legislation specifically outlaws e-cig promotions displaying: Read more
A series of Michigan Senate bills introduced this month threatens to eliminate access to flavored vapes while making remaining products unaffordable via enormous taxes. Anti-vaping groups back the legislation which public health advocates argue will harm rather than protect citizens. Read more
The UK government is supplying local authorities with 259,000 free vaping starter kits as part of its Swap to Stop smoking cessation initiative. The program aims to encourage and support smokers to quit through switching to less harmful vaping alternatives.
The vape provision comes alongside a hard-hitting new NHS smokefree campaign launched in January 2023. It features former professional soccer goalkeeper David James discussing his experiences with smoking and what ultimately motivated him to stop.
The UK government is expected to announce a new tax on vaping products when it unveils the national budget on March 6th. This would mark the first time vaping has been taxed since e-cigarettes arrived in the UK market nearly 15 years ago.
As 2023 ends, several countries have passed new vape regulations set to take effect on/after January 1, 2024. These incoming laws include restrictions on flavors, marketing tactics, taxes and more. Here’s an in-depth look at some key vape regulations worldwide and their potential impacts. Read more
Authorities to Conduct Checks at Air, Land, and Sea Checkpoints
Singapore has tightened its law enforcement efforts against tourists entering the country with electronic vaporizers, also known as vapes. This move is part of a global crackdown on the use of e-cigarettes, as reported by Bloomberg.
Read moreKyrgyzstan is considering legislation to institute a nationwide ban on vapes and e-cigarettes. However, experts argue this could ignorantly stifle harm reduction efforts while fueling hazardous black market trade.
Read moreSeeking to curb illegal vaping, Singapore authorities will soon begin stop and search enforcement against arriving tourists found traveling with e-cigarettes or vape gear.
Operations launch at Changi Airport, subjecting deplaning visitors to checks for vapes or components. Anyone caught possessing electronic cigarettes faces heavy fines under existing law. Read more
Concerned over growing youth addiction, Lithuania recently passed legislation prohibiting the import of vape liquids containing added sweeteners or sugar starting November 2024.
On December 15th, 2023, the Lithuanian parliament (Seimas) overwhelmingly voted to amend existing tobacco control laws, banning future imports of sweetened nicotine e-liquids for electronic cigarettes. Read more
As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2024, Belgium ushered in a new era for vapers with the introduction of a tax on e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes. The tax, set at 15 cents per milliliter, has sparked controversy among users and retailers who fear it may lead to higher costs and drive some back to traditional tobacco cigarettes.
The federal Finance Minister’s spokesperson defended the tax, pointing out that it aligns with Germany’s tax rate, which is also set to increase in the coming years. They emphasized that the goal is not to encourage a return to smoking but to recognize that e-cigarettes are also tobacco products and should be viewed as a temporary aid in quitting smoking.
Despite these assurances, many in the vaping community remain skeptical about the potential impact of the new tax. As Belgium navigates this uncharted territory, only time will tell how the measure will affect the country’s vapers and the broader fight against tobacco use.
New source: Belgium to Implement New Tax on E-Liquids Amidst Criticisms