France’s Parliament will finalize a ban on disposable e-cigarettes (“vapes”) this week, closing a two-year legislative process delayed by EU notifications and political shifts. The move targets colorful, low-cost vapes accused of addicting youth through sugary flavors and plastic waste. Health advocates warn, however, that nicotine pouches and candy-like nicotine pearls now dominate the market, demanding urgent regulatory action.
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The Maldives Ministry of Health has enacted stringent tobacco control measures granting police authority to seize and destroy vaping devices found in public or private possession. The updated Tobacco Control General Regulations, gazetted this week, close enforcement loopholes in the nation’s December 2024 vape import and usage ban.
Read moreCanada has temporarily halted its proposed ban on flavored vaping products, Mental Health and Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks confirmed in January 2025. The decision follows intense lobbying by tobacco harm reduction advocates and new evidence highlighting flavors’ role in helping adults quit smoking. However, activists warn the reprieve may end after the next federal election.
Read moreA new bill under consideration in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies aims to criminalize the sale, importation, and advertising of electronic cigarettes. The proposed legislation, introduced by Congresswoman Gisela Simona (União-MT), would impose penalties of two to four years imprisonment and fines for anyone who sells, imports, or advertises e-cigarettes without registration from the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).
Read moreThe government of the Swiss canton of Basel-Stadt has rejected a proposal to ban the sale of disposable vapes, despite sympathizing with the measure’s intentions. In a statement released on Tuesday, the cantonal executive said that a motion put forward in the Great Council (the canton’s parliament) would violate “higher-ranking law” and is therefore inadmissible.
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreIndonesia 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.
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