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.
Imperial Expands U.S. Portfolio with Black Buffalo Acquisition
ITG said Black Buffalo’s differentiated positioning complements its existing oral portfolio and strengthens its long-term next-generation products strategy.
ALP Taps Conor McGregor as Pouch Brand Partner
The company said it plans to continue expanding retail and digital distribution as demand for oral nicotine products grows globally.
ACHE Cites Evidence That Youth Tobacco Measures Are Working
ACHE brought together public health experts and policy voices to discuss implications for tobacco harm reduction and future regulation.
Malaysian Tobacco Control Groups Pushing for 5% Tax Increases
Research found that 80% of respondents supported yearly tax hikes, while 72% believed higher tobacco taxes could help ease broader cost-of-living pressures.
CVA Touts Vaping as Path to Canada’s Smoke-Free Future
Association President Sam Tam said policymakers should rely on current evidence rather than “outdated statistics” when considering additional restrictions.
Tennessee Expands Vapor Product Definitions
The measure updates state tobacco and vapor product laws covering taxation, regulation, and enforcement.
BAT Encouraging Participation in EU’s Call for Evidence
The company said the initiative is intended to provide practical insight into how proposed regulatory changes could affect real-world product use.
PMI to Present at the dbAccess Global Consumer Conference
The event will provide an update on PMI’s strategy as it continues to position itself as a “smoke-free” consumer goods company.
Vendix Expands Tobacco Vending Machine Technology
Vendix will showcase touchscreen-enabled vending systems with capacities up to 1,400 packs, designed for indoor and outdoor installation.
Pakistan Intensifies Illegal Tobacco Crackdown
Systems are aimed at protecting tax revenue and formal businesses, estimating that the illegal cigarette trade costs the country more than $1.1 billion annually.
Bidi Workers Form Human-Chain Protest in Bangladesh
Workers presented a five-point demand that included maintaining current bidi tax rates, increasing working days, and raising prices on low-tier cigarette packs.
BAT Malaysia Reports First-Ever Loss
The company posted a net loss of $8.8 million for Q1, compared with a net profit of $5.8 million last year, with revenue declining by half.
France Sets Steep Fines in Pouch Ban
Restrictions cover the use, possession, and sale of nicotine pouches, with violations carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and fines reaching €400,000.
IQOS Ranks No. 74 in Global Brands
The company said that IQOS surpassed $10 billion in annual net revenues within a decade of launch, contributing significantly to PMI’s broader smoke-free business.
JTI, Authorities Trying to Dent Malaysia’s Illicit Market
JTIM estimated the country’s illicit cigarette incidence rate at 56.7%, representing roughly $1 billion in lost government revenue.
