UK Providing 259,000 Free Vapes Under Swap to Stop Scheme

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.

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UK Government to Propose First-Ever Vape Tax in March Budget

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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.

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New Worldwide Vape Regulations in 2024: Flavor Bans, Marketing Limits

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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

Vape Bans in Kyrgyzstan May Backfire on Public Health

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Kyrgyzstan 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 more

Singapore Cracking Down on Tourists Bringing Vapes

Seeking 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

Lithuania To Ban Import of Sweetened Vape by 2024

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

Ireland Bans Selling Vapes to Minors in Landmark Reform

A new public health law going into effect in Ireland prohibits retailers from selling vapes and e-cigarettes to anyone under age 18. First announced by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly earlier this year, the legislation aims to curb rising youth vaping rates. Read more

Illinois Prohibits Indoor Vaping Statewide From January

A sweeping statewide prohibition on vaping within indoor establishments takes effect January 1st in Illinois. Legislators recently expanded existing smoke-free air laws to finally encapsulate e-cigarette usage.

Chief bill sponsor, Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) helped push the amendment’s approval through Springfield earlier this year. “We’ve made progress de-normalizing tobacco perceptions, and I’m proud e-cigarettes now join usage bans protecting public health,” she stated. Read more

New Regulations Place Millions of NZ Disposable Vapes in Jeopardy

With new vaping regulations set to take effect on December 21st, 2023 in New Zealand, millions of soon-to-be noncompliant disposable vape products face an uncertain fate. Retailers prepare to absorb significant losses either destroying stock or selling at steep discounts before the rules kick in. Read more

WHO Calls for Global Ban on All Flavored Vapes

The World Health Organization urged countries on Thursday to ban all flavored vapes similarly to tobacco, threatening the cigarette industry’s pivots towards less harmful alternatives. The UN body alleges flavors and marketing target adolescents with nicotine addiction. Read more