Global E-Cigarette Regulatory Updates and Market Trends Oct 28th.
Part 1: Regulatory Developments
Ottawa, Canada to Implement E-Cigarette Sales Licensing by Late November
The city of Ottawa is preparing to introduce new e-cigarette sales regulations, requiring retailers to obtain a license to sell e-cigarettes. This measure aims to address staffing and funding challenges in the city’s regulatory processes.
Philippines’ DTI Grants E-Cigarette Certification to Guangdong Boopower
The Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Office of Special Mission for Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (OSMV), has certified Guangdong Boopower Industry Co., Ltd. (GBPI) and its local partner, One Tech Ventures OPC. This certification reinforces industry calls for compliance with the country’s vape regulations.
Decreased Cigarette Demand and Growing E-Cigarette Popularity Challenge Philippine Revenue Targets
With tobacco tax revenue declining, the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has intensified its enforcement actions against illegal e-cigarette sales. Weekly crackdowns have closed over 408 non-compliant retailers, with packaging compliance inspections that have suspended 12 brands for non-compliance.
Mexico Expected to Pass E-Cigarette Ban Reforms by Year-End
The Mexican President announced that a bill to ban e-cigarettes is anticipated to pass this year. The law has already cleared the House and is set for final discussions, inviting health officials to assess its public health implications.
U.S. Convenience Stores Urge FDA to Extend STN Rules to Combat Illicit Nicotine Products
The National Association of Convenience Stores has formally requested that the FDA expands the Substantial Equivalence (SE) process to curb illegal nicotine pouches and related products, pointing to rising concerns about under-regulated products entering the market.
Maldives Plans to Increase E-Cigarette Import Tariffs
The Maldives government announced plans to incrementally raise e-cigarette tariffs, culminating in a complete import ban by mid-November. This policy is part of efforts to enforce the Tobacco Control Act and limit e-cigarette availability.
U.K. Regulatory Bodies Discuss Challenges in Combatting Illicit E-Cigarette Sales at IBVTA Forum
At the IBVTA Forum 2024, U.K. officials noted ongoing enforcement challenges related to illegal e-cigarettes, particularly due to limited resources. This has resulted in delays in introducing specific product regulations for new e-cigarette innovations.
Wales to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes Starting June 1, 2025
In a recent statement, the Welsh Government confirmed that disposable e-cigarettes will be prohibited as of June 1, 2025, aligning with efforts to reduce plastic waste. This extends the previously proposed ban date from April 1, 2025.
France Proposes Tax on E-Cigarette E-Liquids Starting March 2025
A French legislative proposal is calling for a €0.15 per milliliter tax on e-cigarette liquids, potentially adding €150-200 million to annual revenue. While some industry stakeholders worry it may drive consumers back to traditional cigarettes or spark black-market sales, the bill is under parliamentary review.
Poland Considers Ban on Disposable and Flavored E-Cigarettes
In response to the surge in new tobacco product usage, the Polish Ministry of Health has introduced two bills proposing to ban both disposable and flavored e-cigarettes, though a specific implementation date is yet to be determined.
Part 2: Market Updates
BAT Projects Full Transition to Smoke-Free Products by 2035, Urges Stricter Compliance Measures
British American Tobacco (BAT) aims to transition fully to smoke-free products by 2035, with annual growth of smokeless products expected at 4.6%. BAT has called for government collaboration on regulatory measures, including adherence to STN registration requirements.
U.S. FDA and Customs Seize Over $76M Worth of Unauthorized E-Cigarettes
In a joint action, the FDA and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized approximately 3 million unauthorized Geekbar products, valued at $76 million, marking the FDA’s largest seizure to date for illicit vaping products. This action underscores ongoing efforts to intercept illegal imports.
Smoore International Reports 16.5% Q3 Revenue Growth
In Q3, Smoore International posted a revenue of CNY 3.286 billion, with a 16.5% quarter-over-quarter increase driven by closed-pod products. Pre-tax profit rose by 24.4%, though annual profit saw a 22.5% decline due to increased R&D investment.
Smoore’s Skincare Brand MOYAL Enters U.S. Market
On October 21, Smoore announced via LinkedIn that its skincare brand MOYAL is now available in the U.S., highlighting its flagship product, the LOOM device, priced at $699.
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached $850M in September
In September, China’s e-cigarette exports totaled around $850 million, with the U.S., U.K., and South Korea as top destinations. Despite a slight month-on-month decrease, North America and emerging African markets like Mozambique, Tanzania, and Guinea showed robust growth.
IBVTA Forum 2024 Highlights Innovation and Regulatory Insights in the U.K. Vape Market
The Independent British Vape Trade Association’s (IBVTA) annual forum on October 22 showcased insights into the latest product innovations and regulatory trends. U.K. regulators emphasized support for new products like 2+10 and 4in1 devices, which represent significant progress in the market.
These regulatory shifts and market developments reflect the global landscape of e-cigarette regulations and innovations. With rising compliance demands and expanding smoke-free products, the industry faces both growth opportunities and challenges across multiple regions.
