Global E-Cigarette Regulatory Updates and Market Trends December 30th.
Part 1. Legal & Regulatory News
1. Russian Lawmakers Propose Ban on Sales and Wholesale of E-cigarettes and Related Products
A group of lawmakers from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF) has introduced a bill in the State Duma that proposes a complete ban on the sale and wholesale of e-cigarettes and related e-liquid products.
Read more here
2. Austria: Proposal for a ‘Nicotine Law’
With a decrease in smoking rates and an increase in the use of novel tobacco products, the Austrian Tobacco Trade Association is calling for reform of tobacco laws. The proposal suggests regulating these products under the tobacco shops’ exclusive license to protect both minors and tobacco shop owners.
Read more here
3. South Korea: Tobacco Business Act Hearings to Discuss Synthetic Nicotine Regulation and Taxation
A hearing on December 27 is expected to proceed as planned, focusing on the regulation and taxation of synthetic nicotine products. The outcomes of these discussions could have a significant impact on the e-cigarette market.
Read more here
4. Philippines DTI: 10 Companies Registered for E-cigarette Production, Distribution, and Sales
As of January 2025, the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will begin enforcing product standards. E-cigarettes without the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) label will not be allowed for sale in the local market. Nine brands have already been granted licenses: DON BARS, KLIQ, ONE BAR, PHANTOM VAPE, RELX, TOMORO, TRUEZ, VAGEND, and X-VAPE.
Read more here
5. New Zealand Updates E-cigarette Regulations: Disposable E-cigarette Ban to Take Effect in June 2025
New Zealand’s government has made amendments to e-cigarette regulations, with changes taking effect from December 17, 2024, including increased fines for violations and restrictions on the location of e-cigarette specialty stores. Additional changes, including a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, will take effect on June 17, 2025.
Read more here
6. NJOY Wins Lawsuit, Four California Retailers Ordered to Stop Selling ELF BAR E-cigarettes
In a lawsuit concerning ELF BAR sales in California, four retailers—Aroma Avenue Vape Shop, Cigarettes N More, Cloudhaven Vapors, Inc., and Z Vapor Room—have been ordered to cease selling ELF BAR e-cigarettes in the state.
Read more here
7. Germany: E-cigarette E-liquid Tax to Increase from January 2025
Starting in 2025, the tax on e-cigarette e-liquids will rise to €0.26 per milliliter, according to the Tobacco Tax Law. The tax on other tobacco products is also set to increase.
| Product | 2024 (per unit) | 2025 (per unit) | 2026+ (per unit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cigarettes | €0.1115 each | €0.1171 each | €0.1228 each |
| Processed Tobacco | €54.39 per kg | €57.85 per kg | €61.58 per kg |
| Pipe Tobacco | €19 per kg | €21 per kg | €23 per kg |
| Alternative Tobacco | €0.20 per mL | €0.26 per mL | €0.32 per mL |
Part 2. Market Updates
1. BAT Launches Synthetic Nicotine VELO Plus Series in the US
BAT has launched the VELO Plus series in the U.S., available in seven flavors and two nicotine strengths (6mg and 9mg). The product is priced at $5.59 for a can of 20 pouches, with a discount price of $3.99. The packaging has been improved for easier storage.
Read more here
2. BAT’s VUSE Expands in South Korea with New Product Line
BAT’s e-cigarette brand, VUSE, has launched three new product series in South Korea: VUSE GO BOX 6ml, VUSE GO SLIM 2ml, and VUSE GO 2ml, aiming to strengthen its market presence.
Read more here
3. Germany’s “The Hall of Vape” Exhibition Canceled for 2025
Due to regulatory changes and a decline in both exhibitors and attendees, the organizers have announced the cancellation of the 2025 edition of “The Hall of Vape” exhibition, which had been held annually since 2016 and was one of Europe’s longest-running vaping events.
4. ALP Announces Official Launch of Nicotine Pouches in the US, Claims to Surpass ZYN’s Quality
ALP has officially launched its nicotine pouches in the U.S., with pre-orders surpassing expectations. According to Nicokick, the largest online retailer of nicotine pouches, 86% of U.S. nicotine pouch users may switch to ALP. ALP is jointly owned by U.S. consumer goods company Turning Point Brands and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
Read more here
