The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) is currently in the evaluation phase for smoking product registrations, including for vape products, submitted under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). Dr. Hairul Nizam Abd Hamid, senior principal assistant director at the MOH’s disease control division, stated that the registration window, open from October 2024 to April 2025, has closed, with approvals anticipated by October 1, 2025.
Read moreThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released six updated or new forms required for submitting new tobacco product applications through the Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) and Substantial Equivalence (SE) pathways. Effective July 6, 2025, all applicants must use these revised forms for their submissions. The agency stated that failure to use the latest versions or complete them properly will generally result in the FDA refusing to accept the application.
Read moreThe Czech Ministry of Health has introduced draft regulations aimed at significantly tightening restrictions on electronic cigarettes, with a strong focus on preventing youth uptake. The proposed measures, which require European Commission approval, seek to ban e-cigarettes and their refills that resemble toys or sweets, or feature images of animals or characters known to appeal to minors. Packaging with cartoon aesthetics, gaming references, or fantasy motifs would also be prohibited.
Read moreBrazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has reinforced its comprehensive ban on electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes, in 2024. This decision, unanimously upheld by the agency’s directors, maintains the existing prohibition on the manufacturing, importation, commercialization, distribution, and advertising of these devices, a policy originally established in 2009.
Read moreVape retailers in the Malaysian states of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan are expressing concern over potential state-level bans on the sale of e-cigarettes, fearing substantial financial losses if such measures are implemented without a sufficient transition period. This comes as both state governments are reportedly deliberating prohibitions, following similar moves by other Malaysian states.
Read moreColombia’s Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) has issued Resolution 30838 of 2025, regulating access to information for consumers of cigarettes, tobacco products, their derivatives, substitutes, or imitations, and the devices necessary for their operation, including vape products. Producers and suppliers will have a six-month period from its publication in the Official Gazette to comply before the new rules are enforced.
Read moreThe Texas State Legislature has passed a revised version of Senate Bill 2024 (SB 2024), which regulates the marketing, advertising, sale, and distribution of e-cigarette products in the state. After intense debate and opposition that nearly led to a ban on virtually all mass-market vaping products, lawmakers reached a compromise that specifically targets prefilled disposable vapes containing e-liquid manufactured in China or other designated “foreign adversary” nations, while leaving most refillable hardware and American-filled devices untouched.
Read moreA coalition of 13 Indonesian civil society organizations, including the Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI) and the Indonesian Youth Council for Tactical Changes (IYCTC), has issued an open letter urging social media influencers to cease promoting vape products to children and adolescents. Mouhamad Bigwanto, Chairman of the Indonesian Health Policy Space (RUKKI), stated that young people are daily exposed to influencer content that overtly promotes these addictive products, often portraying e-cigarettes as a cool and safe lifestyle choice.
Read moreResponsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), the national trade association for vape retailers, is urgently calling on the Irish Minister for Health and the Oireachtas Health Committee to conduct pre-legislative scrutiny of the proposed Public Health (Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2025. RVI argues that the government’s decision to potentially bypass this crucial step risks devastating small businesses and could drive adult ex-smokers back to traditional cigarettes.
Read moreThe President of the Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entities (MOVE), Samsul Kamal Ariffin, is advocating for stricter regulation and enforcement of vape products rather than outright bans, arguing that prohibition is not the most effective solution to address public health concerns. He emphasized that many Malaysians use vaping as a less harmful alternative to quit smoking, citing international studies like those from Public Health England which suggest vaping is 95% safer than traditional cigarettes.
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