Poland Moves to Regulate Nicotine Pouches, Ban Minor Sales

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New Law Aims to Close 5-Year Regulatory Gap for Popular Products

Poland is finally set to regulate the rapidly growing market for nicotine pouches, addressing a five-year regulatory vacuum that experts warn poses a public health risk, particularly to young people. A Sejm (parliamentary) Health Committee meeting scheduled for May 7th will discuss amendments to the Act on Health Protection against the Consequences of Using Tobacco and Tobacco Products, specifically incorporating rules for these tobacco-free oral nicotine products.

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Maldives Customs Doubts Collection of Huge Vape Fines

Officials Highlight MVR 40M+ Penalties, Suggest Fine Cap Amid Rising Smuggling

Maldives Customs officials have expressed serious doubts about the practicality of collecting multi-million Rufiyaa fines imposed on individuals caught smuggling vape products into the country. Speaking before a parliamentary committee reviewing the Tobacco Control Act, officials highlighted the issue of current penalties becoming unrealistically large.

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Jakarta Considers Banning Vape Use in Public Spaces Under New Smoke-Free Area Law

DKI DPRD Special Committee Proposes Including E-cigarettes Alongside Tobacco

The Jakarta Provincial Government and the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD DKI Jakarta) are planning to update the city’s regulations on Smoke-Free Areas (KTR) this year, with a key proposal to explicitly include electronic cigarettes (vapes) alongside traditional tobacco cigarettes.

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Indonesia to Curb Tobacco & Vape Promotions, Especially Online

Health Ministry Highlights PP No. 28/2024 for Ad Bans Near Schools, on Social Media

The Indonesian Ministry of Health is emphasizing the critical role of Government Regulation (PP) No. 28 of 2024 in controlling tobacco and electronic cigarette products, particularly by restricting their promotion across various media, including social platforms and podcasts. Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, Director of Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, highlighted the new law’s importance.

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Poland Committee Backs Under-18 Vape Sales Ban

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Government Aims for Minor Sales Ban Before Summer Holidays

A Polish parliamentary health committee has unanimously supported a government bill prohibiting the sale of all types of e-cigarettes to individuals under 18 years old. This move aims to quickly implement stricter youth access controls, potentially before the summer holidays.

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Passed Alabama HB8 Bans Non-FDA Vapes from Convenience Stores

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HB8 Awaits Governor’s Signature, Limits Non-FDA Approved Vapes in Convenience Stores

Alabama’s House Bill 8 (HB8), aimed at regulating the retail sale of nicotine vaping products, has successfully passed both the House and Senate and now awaits Governor Kay Ivey’s signature to become law. Sponsored by Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile), the bill places regulatory oversight under the state’s ABC Board.

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Australia’s New Tobacco Laws: Packaging & Flavor Bans

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Changes Under 2023 Act Aim to Discourage Smoking and Reduce Harm

Smokers across Australia will soon notice significant changes to cigarette and tobacco products as new federal laws under the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023 take full effect. Retailers are already beginning to stock products compliant with the new regulations, which aim to further reduce smoking rates and protect public health by making tobacco less appealing and informative about quitting.

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Indonesia Urged to Refine Tax & Regulation for Nicotine Products

Experts at ISSA 2025 call for Indonesia to differentiate tax & regulation for vapes/nicotine pouches from traditional cigarettes.

International experts are urging the Indonesian government to refine its regulatory and tax policies for alternative nicotine products like vapes and nicotine pouches, advocating for a risk-proportionate approach that differentiates them from more harmful conventional cigarettes. While praising Indonesia for allowing these products, unlike some neighboring countries, concerns were raised about current tax equivalency with traditional tobacco.

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Colombian Groups Warn of “Lack of Balance” in Vaping Tax Discussions

Colombian health organizations criticize tobacco/vape industry presence in congressional panel discussing new tax bill, citing WHO FCTC.

Civil society organizations Fundación Anáas and Red PaPaz have criticized the composition of a technical panel in Colombia’s Congress convened to discuss bills updating taxes on tobacco and vaping products. They allege a “lack of balance” due to the prominent presence of tobacco and vape industry representatives, including major companies like British American Tobacco and Philip Morris, alongside groups such as the World Vapers’ Alliance.

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UK “Smokefree Generation” Law to Include Nicotine Pouches

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Scottish minister confirms “snus-style” nicotine pouches will be part of UK’s “smokefree generation” tobacco ban amid youth access concerns.

Nicotine pouches, sometimes incorrectly referred to as “snus,” will be covered under the UK-wide Tobacco and Vapes Bill aimed at creating a “smokefree generation,” Scottish Public Health Minister Jenni Minto has confirmed. This clarification comes amid concerns raised by MSPs after free samples of these oral nicotine products were distributed at Edinburgh’s Waverley train station.

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