Brazil Pará State Passes Bill Banning E-Cigarettes

State deputies at the Legislative Assembly of Pará (Alepa) in Belém took a decisive step towards curbing the use of electronic cigarettes, also known as vapers, by approving Bill (PL) No. 213/2022 on Tuesday (13). State deputy Fábio Freitas (Republicans) proposed the bill, which strictly prohibits the use, sale, import, and production of any electronic smoking devices (DEF) intended to replace traditional cigarettes.

Strict Penalties and Enforcement Measures

The new legislation imposes a substantial fine of R$1,144.55 on individuals who violate the law. It also requires commercial establishments to display prominent notices on their walls, clearly stating that smoking is prohibited within the premises and that violators may face penalties. These notices must be placed in highly visible locations and include the contact information for the health surveillance department, the Consumer Protection and Defense Department (Procon), and the Sespa reference center for approaching and treating smokers. Read more

South Africa Revives Stringent Tobacco Control Bill

South Africa’s Parliament has revived the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, a piece of legislation that aims to impose stricter regulations on the sale, advertising, and use of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems. The Bill, which lapsed at the end of the previous administration, now sits in Parliament and is on the agenda of the seventh administration.

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Gallup Poll Reveals U.S. Cigarette Smoking Rate Historic Low

In the latest Gallup poll, the United States has witnessed a remarkable decline in cigarette smoking rates, reaching an 80-year low. The latest findings, based on the annual Consumption Habits poll conducted from July 1-21, show that only 11% of U.S. adults reported smoking cigarettes in the past week. This figure matches the historical low recorded in 2022 and is a significant drop from the 41% reported when Gallup first inquired about cigarette smoking in 1944.

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Poland’s Vape Industry Faces Massive Excise Tax Hike

Poland’s Ministry of Finance has unveiled plans for a dramatic 75% increase in excise tax on e-cigarette liquids, set to take effect in 2025. This move threatens to push e-liquid prices above those of traditional cigarettes, potentially triggering widespread industry layoffs and bankruptcies.

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Analysis Reveals Record High in British Adult Vaping Rates

A new analysis has unveiled a significant shift in nicotine consumption patterns, showing that the proportion of adults using e-cigarettes in Britain has hit its highest level ever. Read more

Kentucky Upholds Law Restricts Vaping Product Sales, Lawsuit Dismissed

In a significant development, Franklin County Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate dismissed a lawsuit challenging a recently passed Kentucky law that aims to restrict the sale of vaping products in the state. On Monday, the judge delivered a ruling that affirmed the measure serves a “legitimate state interest” and falls well within the scope of the General Assembly’s authority to safeguard the health and safety of Kentucky citizens. Read more

Singapore Cracks Down on E-Cigarettes, Arresting Over 5,500 Users in Six Months

Q2 Sees 46% Increase in Arrests Compared to Q1, with Students and Travelers Among Those Caught

The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has announced that 3,279 individuals were caught on the spot for using or possessing e-cigarettes in the second quarter of this year, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao on August 1. This represents a 46% increase compared to the 2,240 people arrested in the first quarter, bringing the total number of arrests in the first half of the year to over 5,500.

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Türkiye Cigarette Prices Increase 2023: Smoking Concerns Rise

Türkiye has witnessed a series of cigarette price hikes in recent days, with the latest increase announced by Erol Dündar, President of the Tekel Dealers Mutual Aid Association (TBYD). The Imperial Tobacco cigarette group has joined the ranks of PM, BAT, JTI, and TT cigarette groups, which have already increased their prices by 4-5 TL in the first days of August. Read more

Russia’s New Vape and Tobacco Regulations Ban Flavors

The Russian State Duma has adopted new legislation that will dramatically reshape the landscape of smokeless tobacco products and vaping in the country. These changes aim to address growing health concerns and curb the rising popularity of these products among youth.

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Poland Proposes New Regulations and Tax on E-Cigarettes and Vaping Devices

Poland’s Ministry of Finance has proposed a new PLN 40 fee on both single-use and reusable vaporization devices in a significant move to curb youth vaping. This proposal accompanies plans to ban the sale of all e-cigarettes to minors starting January 1, 2025.

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