From Nov. 20 to Nov. 25, delegates representing the countries that have signed to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) will gather in Panama City to discuss tobacco and nicotine policies at the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10). It’s an event that warrants close scrutiny because the decisions taken at COP tend to have profound implications on the nicotine business and its customers, impacting the future of manufacturers, suppliers and tobacco growers along with stakeholders such as smokers and vapers.
In this section, Tobacco Reporter features a selection of its COP10 coverage.
NACS Urges Action Against Illicit Chinese Vapes
NACS is urging a coordinated government response, including enforceable commitments from China to restrict exports that violate U.S. regulations.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Sales Surging After Slow Start
Volumes rose sharply to nearly 115 million kilograms compared to 67.6 million kgs a year earlier, despite light buying during the first two weeks of the season.
FDA Releases Wave 8 PATH Study Data
The PATH Study is a household-based, nationally representative, longitudinal study of adults and youth (12-17 years old) in the United States.
Judge Issues Final Ruling on Decade-Long ‘Premium Cigar’ Definition
The ruling provides regulatory clarity and removes premium cigars from key FDA oversight requirements.
Alabama Extends Indoor Smoking Ban to Vapes
Under the changes, vaping will be prohibited in the same public places where traditional tobacco smoking is banned, including workplaces, restaurants, and government buildings.
Tasmania Intensifies Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco
The crackdown is set to be reinforced by new legislation, with the Public Health Amendment Bill 2026 introducing tougher penalties, new offences, and powers to shut down businesses.
Indonesia’s Tax Strategy Not Impacting Smoking Rates
Despite a 23% tax increase in 2020 and steady annual rises since, cigarette affordability has remained largely unchanged.
Altria to Host Q1 Webcast April 30
CEO Billy Gifford and CFO Sal Mancuso will discuss the Company’s first-quarter business results and answer questions.
Indonesia to Enforce New Vape Rules from July
The rules will introduce a minimum age of 21, restrict advertising, set limits on nicotine content, mandate pictorial health warnings, and create smoke-free areas.
Namibia Moves to Tighten Regs on Vapes, Alternative Products
Health officials say the reforms aim to close regulatory gaps and curb illicit trade, with plans to join international protocols targeting the black market.
Organigram Completes Sanity Acquisition with BAT Backing
The deal marks the final deployment of funds from the Jupiter strategic investment pool and strengthens Organigram’s position in the European cannabis market.
Altria Raises Cigarette Prices Across Most Brands
Herzog said she expected BAT to make a similar increase soon, and that she would be watching to see whether deep-discount cigarette manufacturers move on price.
Scandinavian Approves Dividend, Board Changes at AGM
Shareholders approved the company’s 2025 annual report and 72-cent dividend per share, while backing the remuneration report and board compensation for 2026.
Nicokick, Zone Expand NASCAR Partnership with Product Launch
The campaign includes the exclusive launch of a new zone Cranberry pouch and a limited-edition flavor mix tied to driver Kyle Busch.
SNP Proposes Vape Display Ban if Re-elected
The proposal builds on existing measures and reflects broader efforts to tighten controls on nicotine products amid concerns over rising youth usage.
