The Bulgarian National Assembly’s Economic Policy Committee unanimously approved amendments to the Tobacco, Tobacco Products, and Related Products Act that would introduce a complete ban on the sale, distribution, and advertising of single-use and reusable electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes, and similar devices, regardless of whether they contain nicotine. The proposed changes were introduced by Dr. Kostadin Angelov, chair of the parliament’s Health Committee, on February 7, 2025.
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Indonesia now imposes fines of up to IDR 750,000 (≈$50) and three months’ jail time for smoking or vaping while operating motorcycles or cars. The regulation, rooted in Traffic Law No. 22/2009, aims to reduce road accidents caused by impaired driver concentration.
Read moreAs a retailer in the UK, you’ve likely heard about the impending ban on disposable vapes, set to take effect on June 1, 2025. This regulatory change will have a significant impact on the convenience store sector, as disposable vapes have become a major revenue driver in recent years. In 2024 alone, the top 25 bestselling disposable vapes generated an average of £324.58 in weekly sales and £172.77 in profit per store.
Read moreThe UK government has unveiled strict penalties for retailers who violate the upcoming disposable vape ban, set to take effect on 1 June 2025. Businesses caught selling single-use vapes after this date could face fines of up to £5,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has outlined enforcement measures, which vary across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Read moreBulgaria’s GERB-SDS party, backed by the left-wing coalition BSP-Left Union and “Vazrazhdane,” is pushing for a complete ban on the sale of vaping products and energy drinks to minors. Social Minister Borislav Gutsanov supports the initiative, while DPS-New Beginning leader Delian Peevski suggests stricter import controls instead of an outright ban. The Ombudsman’s Office has also called for closing legal loopholes that allow minors to purchase vapes.
Read moreMexico has recently amended its Constitution to include a ban on vaping devices and electronic cigarettes, igniting a heated debate between supporters and opponents. Both sides are urging the federal Congress and state legislatures to enact regulatory laws to align existing legal frameworks with the new constitutional provision.
Read moreTaiwan has officially enforced a vaping ban following amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. The National Police Agency confirmed that individuals caught vaping can now face on-the-spot fines of up to TWD 10,000 (approximately $330). This move aims to curb the use of e-cigarettes and heated-tobacco products across the country.
Read moreOsaka, Japan, has announced a new policy prohibiting smoking on all city streets, effective January 27, 2025. The ban covers all forms of smoking, including conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices, which were previously less regulated in certain areas. With a population of approximately 2.75 million, Osaka is now one of Japan’s largest cities to implement such a rule, aiming to improve air quality and public comfort in outdoor spaces.
Read moreOn February 4th, French deputies unanimously voted in favor of a bill aimed at banning disposable e-cigarettes, commonly known as “puffs.” The legislation, sponsored by several elected officials including Francesca Paquini and Michel Lauzzana, seeks to combat the proliferation of these single-use devices.
Read moreTwo bills currently under consideration by Indiana lawmakers could drastically change the landscape of the vaping industry in the state. H.B. 1218 proposes a complete ban on the sale and distribution of all e-liquids and vapor products starting July 1, 2025, while H.B. 1650 would establish a stringent regulatory framework, including a PMTA (Premarket Tobacco Product Application) registry.
The potential impact of these bills on consumer choice, small businesses, and efforts to provide smoke-free nicotine alternatives has raised concerns among industry stakeholders and advocates. If passed, Indiana would effectively eliminate access to products that many consider to be superior alternatives to traditional cigarettes, potentially forcing consumers back to combustible tobacco or driving them to unregulated markets.
Moreover, the proposed ban would likely lead to the closure of numerous vape shops, distributors, and manufacturers, resulting in significant job losses and economic damage across the state.
The regulatory framework proposed in H.B. 1650, while less severe than an outright ban, has also drawn criticism for its potential to favor large, well-established tobacco companies over smaller, independent brands. The bill’s requirement for a state-run PMTA registry could limit consumer access to products from small and medium-sized vapor manufacturers who are still navigating the complex and costly FDA regulatory process.
As Indiana lawmakers consider these bills, it is crucial for all stakeholders – including consumers, business owners, and public health advocates – to engage in an open and informed dialogue about the potential consequences of such legislation. By carefully weighing the risks and benefits of these proposed measures, policymakers can work towards a regulatory approach that prioritizes public health, supports local businesses, and ensures that adult consumers have access to a diverse range of reduced-risk alternatives to traditional cigarettes.