1. Legal and Regulatory Updates
• Vietnam’s National Assembly: Comprehensive Ban on Vapes and Heated Tobacco Products Starting in 2025
Vietnam’s National Assembly has passed a resolution that will implement a nationwide ban on the production, sale, import, storage, transportation, and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products starting in 2025.
Read more here.
• Ho Chi Minh City Market Management Department: Crackdown on Illegal E-Cigarette Sales Before and After the Lunar New Year
The Ho Chi Minh City Market Management Department seized 16,000 e-cigarette products this year and plans to intensify efforts to combat illegal e-cigarette sales around the Lunar New Year to enforce the upcoming 2025 ban.
Read more here.
• Russian Ministry of Health Proposes Total Ban on New Tobacco Products
Russian health officials have proposed a nationwide ban on the import, production, and sale of new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
Read more here.
• Belarus President Reaffirms State Monopoly on Alcohol and Tobacco Industries
The President of Belarus has reiterated that the government will maintain its monopoly over the alcohol and tobacco sectors.
Read more here.
• Mexico’s Congress Passes Constitutional Amendment Banning Vaping and Related Products
The Mexican Congress has approved an amendment to the constitution banning the production, distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes and related products. The move also involves adjusting the legal framework to align with the new law.
Read more here.
• South Korea: Zero Nicotine Vapes Accused of False Advertising
The Korean Consumer Association has called for stronger regulation of zero-nicotine e-cigarettes, which were found to contain unlisted “methyl nicotine.” These products have gained significant market share despite the false advertising claims.
Read more here.
• U.S. Congress: New Inquiry Into Illicit Vapes and Youth Vaping Crisis
U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has announced a new initiative to investigate illicit vape manufacturing in China and address the ongoing youth vaping crisis.
Read more here.
• Russia: Local Governments May Gain Control Over E-Cigarette Sales
A proposal in the Russian State Duma suggests decentralizing the authority over e-cigarette sales, allowing local governments to regulate sales times and locations, or even to ban retail sales altogether. The new regulations are expected to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Read more here.
• South Korea: Delay in New Synthetic Nicotine Regulations
Due to security issues and tax rate debates, the South Korean National Assembly has postponed discussions on tobacco law amendments, including new regulations on synthetic nicotine.
Read more here.
2. Market Insights
• Peru Reports: 140 Importers Introduced Over 30 Vape Brands in Six Years
A recent report from Peru reveals that over 140 importers introduced more than 30 e-cigarette brands to the country in the past six years, with a total import value exceeding $20 million. Large tobacco companies, such as British American Tobacco and Philip Morris, dominate the market. Additionally, Peru’s relatively lax vaping regulations have created opportunities for these companies and local businesses.
The new brands entering Peru in 2024 include Dragbar, Nasty, Vaporesso, and Juul. Among these importers, Vapo Per stands out with $2.9 million in imports over the past six years.
• UK Advertising Standards Authority Rules IVG Vape Ads Violate Health Claims
The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that IVG Vape violated advertising regulations by making unsupported health claims such as “95% less harmful.” The company must cease advertising its products with such claims unless supported by adequate evidence.
Read more here.
• Shisha Vape Market Growth in the U.S.
In June 2024, a shisha-style e-cigarette was launched in the U.S., attracting attention and sparking a new trend. While the market is small with a niche audience, the products have gained popularity due to their low nicotine concentration, smooth vaping experience, and appealing vapor quality. The products are well-received for their smooth, enjoyable flavor, with consumers typically finishing one device per week and showing high repurchase rates.
