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.
EPP Accused of Being Tobacco ‘Mouthpiece’ Ahead of Vote
The debate comes as the EU considers significant revisions to tobacco and nicotine regulations that could affect product availability.
N.C. Politicians Call for Relief for Tobacco Farmers
The lawmakers said tobacco production costs rose 30% between 2021 and 2025, compared with an 18% increase across U.S. agriculture overall.
Kentucky Tobacco Farm Gets DOL Reprieve Over Visa Enforcement
The case stems from allegations that the farm violated H-2A temporary agricultural worker program requirements involving wages, recordkeeping, and worker housing.
Pakistani Tob. Growers Call to End Export Tax
The group also opposed a proposed minimum indicative price of $1.89 per kilogram for Virginia tobacco in the 2026-27 budget.
NACS Calls for Fact-Based Approach in EU Tob. Directive Review
Europe’s convenience retail sector comprises more than 684,000 outlets generating more than €250 billion in annual revenue.
ABF Announces $1.3M Illicit Tobacco Seizure
The operation follows a seizure earlier this month involving more than 100,000 cigarettes and 39 kg of loose-leaf tobacco.
LA Passes Two Tobacco, Vape Bills
The law also mandates that tobacco and vapor products move through a regulated manufacturer-to-wholesaler-to-retailer supply chain.
Haypp Announces Zyn Ultra Launch Across U.S.
Zyn Ultra nicotine pouches are available through its U.S. online retailers, Nicokick.com and Northerner.com, as of June 15.
Man Arrested in Indonesia for Running Labubu Vape Ring
A raid in Medan resulted in the seizure of 862 vape cartridge tubes, dozens of vape liquid bottles, and more than 10,500 branded vape packages.
Korea Signals Tobacco Policy Overhaul, Price Increases
Cigarette prices have remained at $2.97 per pack since 2015, well below the $6.51 referenced in the government’s 2026–2030 National Health Promotion Plan.
Philippines Hosting Third International Tobacco Summit
Officials estimate the country lost about ₱$2.4 billion in revenue from illicit tobacco over the last two years, with 85.6% of e-vapes sold in the Philippines classified as illegal.
Pakistani Farmers Slam 11 Different Tobacco Taxes
Industry representatives claim tobacco supports thousands of families and is a key provincial crop, but say it is being disproportionately taxed.
NZ Retailers Want Action as Illicits Climb
Treasury figures indicate tobacco excise revenue fell to $852 million in 2024–25, down about $1.2 million from the previous year.
Kazakhstan Loosening Hookah Regs
The government of Kazakhstan is backing a shift from stricter restrictions on hookah businesses toward a regulated licensing framework, with the Ministry of Finance estimating
Health Canada Issues Recall for Zyn, Siberia Pouches
The recall covers Siberia 35 mg pouches and Zyn 6 mg varieties across multiple flavors.
