Global E-Cigarette Regulatory Updates and Market Trends Nov 5th.
Part 1: Legal and Regulatory News
Spain Proposes Nicotine Tax on E-Cigarettes
In search of new revenue streams, the Spanish government has announced a plan to tax nicotine in e-cigarette products. Under the proposal, nicotine-containing e-liquids would be taxed at a similar rate to traditional tobacco products. The Ministry of Health suggested a tax rate of €0.15 per milliliter, aligned with the European average, plus an additional €0.006 per milligram of nicotine. This would bring Spain’s e-cigarette tax rate to an average of 35.6%. Learn more
UK Introduces New Vape Tax Plan: £2.2 per 10ml Starting October 2026
The UK government has outlined a new tax policy on e-liquids, introducing a rate of £2.2 per 10ml starting in October 2026. This tax hike has sparked criticism, with Labour MPs arguing that this could lead to a 267% price increase for vape products, potentially making the UK one of the most heavily taxed vape markets in Europe. Learn more | Learn more
Poland’s Senate Passes Revised Vape Excise Tax
Poland has approved a significant increase in excise tax on vape products, raising the rate by 327%. Concerns have been raised that this may push more transactions to the grey market, which already represents around 50% of Poland’s vape market. Learn more
Italy’s New Rule on Vape Tax Labels
Starting November 1, Italy requires tax labels on all e-liquids sold in vape shops. Additionally, beginning in January 2025, e-commerce sales of nicotine products will be restricted, and unlicensed sellers face penalties related to stock management and licensing requirements. Learn more
France to Ban Nicotine Pouches Soon
France’s Ministry of Health recently announced an impending ban on nicotine pouches, expected to be implemented within the coming weeks. Learn more
Australia’s New Vape Regulation in Western Australia
Western Australia now mandates a doctor’s prescription for vape product purchases, a measure that adds another layer of control to the region’s strict vape sales laws. Learn more
Jersey Island to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes in April 2025
Following similar measures in the UK and Guernsey, Jersey Island plans to prohibit the sale and distribution of disposable e-cigarettes by April 2025. Learn more
FDA Clarification: STN Numbers Are Not Sales Authorizations
The FDA has clarified that an STN (Submission Tracking Number) does not equate to a market authorization. Currently, only 34 e-cigarette products have legal clearance to be sold in the U.S. Learn more
Part 2: Market Information
- 2Firsts Launches PMTA Compliance Service for U.S. Market 2Firsts has introduced a new service to assist companies in achieving PMTA (Premarket Tobacco Product Application) compliance, providing an essential resource for brands navigating the U.S. regulatory landscape. Learn more
- Belarus Sees Decline in Traditional Smoking and Rise in Youth Vaping A recent survey from Belarus’s Ministry of Health shows a significant decrease in traditional smoking rates alongside a rise in youth vaping, with 15% of teens now using e-cigarettes. This highlights a growing demand for vaping products, especially among younger consumers. Learn more
- Polish Study Reveals Youth E-Cigarette Usage Motivated by Flavor Research in Poland indicates that 80% of teenagers have used e-cigarettes, with nearly half citing flavor as a primary reason for their choice, signaling the importance of flavors in attracting young users. Learn more
- FDA Expands Red List of Vape Companies for Import Alert The FDA has expanded its “Red List” of companies under import alert, with firms from China, Sweden, Poland, and the U.S. now included. Tobacco products on this list may be detained without physical examination, raising concerns about further enforcement action. Learn more
- Philip Morris International to Close Two German Factories Amid Decreased Demand for Cigarettes With European demand for cigarettes waning, Philip Morris International will close two factories in Germany. Meanwhile, major tobacco companies are increasingly focusing on smoke-free product sales, as reflected in their rising revenue shares from these products. Learn more
