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.
Indian Court to Decide if Pouches Can be Sold at Airport’s Duty-Free Shops
Adani is challenging the action, arguing India’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act does not apply to duty-free shops.
Payment Providers Warn Retailers About Illicit Vapes
The warnings follow pressure from a coalition of U.S. state and local law enforcement officials involving illegal vape sales.
Vuse Unveils Collaboration at Berlin Fashion Week
BAT Germany announced the expansion of its partnership with designer Marina Hoermanseder, unveiling a custom case during Berlin Fashion Week.
UKVIA Forum Targets Vaping Policy Challenges
UKVIA said the findings are intended to inform debate on upcoming vaping regulations.
Israeli Health Study Says 40% of Population Exposed to Second-Hand Smoke
The findings come as Israel’s Supreme Court considers a case that could require government ministries to introduce regulations addressing residential tobacco smoke infiltration.
Philippines’ Tobacco Taxes Rise for First Time in Three Years
The increase was driven by a 29.2% rise in tobacco product removals to 2.9 billion units.
ASEAN Countries Feeling Illicit Cigarette Pressures
In Thailand, illicit cigarettes represented 23.6% of the market in 2025, up from 22.6% a year earlier.
Capital Group Increases KT&G Ownership to 8.22%
KT&G said the increased investment reflects recognition of its growth potential as the company continues to expand overseas.
Macau to Significantly Raise Vape Fines
Fines for illegally bringing e-cigarettes and other novel tobacco products into the territory will go from $480 to $1,200 as part of a broader legislative overhaul.
PMI Exec: Lack of Rules Boosts Illegal Segment
Nick Ricketts, PMI’s president of oral products, said regulatory clarity is essential for the development of nicotine pouch markets and the protection of consumers. In
Australia’s ‘Tobacco Wars’ See 10 Businesses Set Ablaze
Victoria Police said unknown offenders drove a vehicle into the shop before setting it alight and fleeing.
CAPHRA Says FDA’s Pouch Pivot Should Trigger Policy Rethink
The group called on policymakers to adopt evidence-based, risk-proportionate regulation.
Netherlands Provided PMI €1M for Subsidized Carbon Improvements
The funding was used at the company’s Bergen op Zoom factory to replace a natural gas installation with a heat pump system that reuses waste heat from production.
Armenia Raises Excise Taxes on Tobacco, Alcohol, Fuel
The measure introduces annual indexation of excise taxes, with tobacco rates set to increase by 7% each year and heated tobacco products rising 30% annually.
Tobacco-Free Pouches Are Not Milder Alternative for Mucosa: Study
Nicotine pouch users more frequently exhibited inflammatory changes, making their effects less predictable than those seen with traditional snus.
