Highlights Rising Underage Use, Drug Lacing Concerns, and Calls for Stronger Federal Action
The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has issued an urgent call for both federal and state authorities in Malaysia to immediately ban the sale and use of all vape and e-cigarette products. Citing an escalating crisis of use among children and teenagers, some as young as eight, CAP emphasizes the need for decisive action to protect young lives.
Read moreCity Council Unanimously Votes to Expand Restrictions; Fines and Misdemeanor Charges Possible
Beachgoers in Jacksonville, Florida, will no longer be able to smoke or vape on the sand. The City Council voted unanimously on Monday, May 5, to ban all forms of smoking, explicitly including electronic cigarettes and vaping products, on its beaches. The ban took effect immediately.
Read moreNew Law to Prohibit Import, Sale, and Circulation of Vapes, Citing Health Risks
Iraq’s Ministry of Health is moving to implement a nationwide ban on the import, sale, and circulation of all electronic cigarettes (vapes), driven by escalating health concerns and a “disturbing increase” in their use among young people, including children and young girls. The announcement signals a significant shift in the country’s approach to nicotine products.
Read moreGovernor Calls Vapes “Weapon of Genocide,” Seeks Regional Authority
Authorities in Russia’s Vologda Oblast intend to implement a complete ban on the sale of vapes and other smoking mixtures, according to Governor Georgy Filimonov. In an interview with RBC agency, Filimonov strongly condemned these products, calling them and alcohol “weapons of genocide against people,” particularly the young.
Read moreHealth Minister Stresses Regulatory Control, Praises State-Level Restrictions
The Malaysian federal government is focusing on robust enforcement of existing laws to regulate vape products, with no immediate plans for a nationwide ban, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed. He highlighted the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 as the comprehensive legal framework guiding this approach.
Read moreSenate Approves Law Targeting E-Cigarettes, Liquids, Nicotine Pouches; Heated Tobacco Excluded from Ban
Following the approval of a significant new law by Uzbekistan’s Senate (Oliy Majlis) on April 30, aimed at curbing the circulation of certain nicotine products, clarity has emerged on exactly which items are targeted by the ban and which remain legally permissible. The legislation, now awaiting presidential signature, introduces substantial penalties for violations but specifically excludes popular heated tobacco products (HTPs) like IQOS from the outright ban, focusing instead on e-cigarettes (vapes) and related systems.
Read moreGovernment Cracks Down on Illegal Online Promotion and Sales of E-cigarettes
The Brazilian government has ordered major digital platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Mercado Livre, and Enjoei, to immediately remove all content that promotes or sells electronic cigarettes (vapes) and related prohibited products. The notification, issued by the National Council to Combat Piracy (CNCP) under the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), gives the platforms a maximum of 48 hours to comply.
Read moreAdvocates Criticize WHO, Cite Risks of Illicit Markets
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) is urging Malaysian authorities to reject calls for vape bans and instead implement risk-proportionate regulations under the new Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). CAPHRA argues that outright bans are counterproductive and risk fueling illicit markets, similar to experiences in Bhutan and South Africa.
Read moreThe Senate of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis (Parliament) has approved significant legal amendments aimed at prohibiting the circulation of electronic cigarettes, liquids, and potentially heated tobacco systems within the country. The new law tightens requirements and establishes both administrative and criminal liability for handling these products illegally.
Read moreOfficials Claim Provincial Government Ignores 2019 Law
Council members in Tucumán, Argentina, have strongly criticized the provincial government for failing to enforce an existing law that prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) in enclosed public spaces. Councilors José María Canelada and Gustavo Cobos argue the issue isn’t a lack of regulation, but a lack of action from the Executive Branch.
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