Global E-Cigarette Regulatory Updates and Market Trends Nov 18th.
Part 1: Legal and Regulatory Updates
Finland to Increase Tobacco Taxes by Nearly 30% Over Three Years
Finland plans to raise tobacco taxes significantly within three years, though nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes are currently unaffected. This presents a positive shift for e-cigarettes, as more users might switch to vaping due to rising cigarette costs.
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Poland to Ban Synthetic Nicotine Pouches
The Polish Ministry of Health plans to classify synthetic nicotine pouches as medical products, effectively banning their sale within the year.
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Slovakia Proposes Ban on Flavored Nicotine and Disposable Vapes
Slovakia is considering legislation to ban flavored nicotine products and disposable e-cigarettes.
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Ireland’s Fianna Fáil Promises Higher Vape Taxes if Elected
Fianna Fáil has pledged to increase vape excise taxes annually, potentially adding €25 in taxes to a 10ml e-liquid bottle over five years. The party also promises broad restrictions on packaging, flavors, points of sale, and advertising.
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Vietnam Proposes Ban on New Tobacco Products
Vietnam’s Minister of Health has proposed revising laws to prohibit the sale of new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, while increasing excise taxes.
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Russia to Ban Online Sales of Nicotine Products
A Russian regulation banning online sales of nicotine-containing products will take effect on March 1, 2025.
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Maldives Bans Vapes Entirely
The President of Maldives has signed a law banning the import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes, with strict penalties for violations. Some provisions take effect on December 15, 2024.
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FDA Targets Top Vape Brands in the U.S.
The FDA has increased its regulatory activities, focusing enforcement on leading brands popular with teens. While the strategy is resource-limited, it prioritizes high-visibility targets like Elfbar and Geekbar. Smaller, less prominent brands face less enforcement risk, creating new market opportunities.
Part 2: Market Insights
VELO Black Series Nicotine Pouches Launch in Belarus
On November 5, ITMS Belarus introduced the VELO Black Edition series, featuring high-dose nicotine pouches with 11mg per pouch, priced at $3.60 per can in limited retail channels.
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Sweden Becomes the First Official “Smoke-Free” Country
Sweden has achieved a smoking rate of just 4.5%, making it the world’s first “smoke-free” country, 16 years ahead of the EU’s target. This success is attributed to harm-reduction strategies encouraging alternatives like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
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RELX International’s Q3 Financial Report Highlights Growth
RELX reported net revenue of ¥760 million for Q3 2024, up 20.6% from the previous quarter, with net profits of ¥260 million driven by international market expansion.
South Korea Exposes Vape Tax Disparity
South Korean media highlighted a significant tax discrepancy between liquid and solid nicotine products, with a 35-fold difference in tax rates.
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Japan Tobacco to Discontinue Four Cigarette Brands Amid Declining Sales
Starting December 2024, Japan Tobacco will cease sales of four cigarette brands due to declining demand.
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Mexico’s Vape Ban Declared Unconstitutional
The Mexican Supreme Court ruled the country’s vape ban unconstitutional, allowing Philip Morris International to continue importing e-cigarettes.
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Stricter Regulations Drive Vape Brands Out of the Philippines
Regulatory crackdowns and stricter enforcement in the Philippines have forced several brands to exit the market.
