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.
FDA to Host Discussion on PMTAs Feb. 10
The discussion aims to solicit input on PMTA submissions for electronic nicotine delivery systems products and will be held from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET.
CAPHRA Urges Review of FCTC Following U.S. WHO Exit
CAPHRA representatives say restrictions on safer nicotine products risk slowing smoking decline and expanding illicit markets.
Universal Appoints Diel as CFO
Diel, a Universal executive since 2018, brings more than 25 years of experience in finance, corporate development, and strategy, most recently serving as vice president and CFO of Universal Ingredients.
Anti-Tobacco Group Alarmed that PMI, BAT Spending $40M on F1 Sponsorships
STOP highlighted sponsorship activity believed to be a combined $40 million by PMI’s Zyn on Ferrari and BAT’s Velo brand appearing in F1 team partnerships.
Brother of Israel’s Security Chief Accused of Smuggling Cigarettes
Dozens of trucks carrying cigarettes, loose tobacco, hookah tobacco, and e-cigarettes are estimated to reach Gaza each month.
Universal Posts Nine-Month, Q3 Results
Third-quarter revenue dropped 8% to $861 million, with operating income down 21% to $82 million, driven by reduced tobacco shipments and inventory write-downs.
Bangladesh Bans Tobacco Farming by River to Protect Fish
Officials noted that 11 farmers had grown tobacco on nearly 20 acres in the area last year.
Survey Breaks Down Fiji’s Smoking Habits
Daily smoking was reported by 19.5% of adults, while smokeless tobacco use stood at 9.5%, primarily among men.
Kyrgyzstan Tightening Hookah Laws
Under the proposal, hookah consumption would only be allowed in specially designated, licensed venues equipped with ventilation systems and restricted to adults aged 18 and over.
Dutch Looking to Raise Nicotine Age to 21
Industry groups have criticized the Dutch proposal, arguing it restricts legal adults’ choices and could increase illicit trade and cross-border purchases.
Mombasa Traders Fighting Proposed Tobacco Law
Traders argue the bill risks worsening the situation by introducing additional restrictions, such as a proposed ban on flavored nicotine products
BAT Closure Leading S. Africa to ‘Warehouse Economy’
BAT cited rampant illegal cigarettes as a key factor behind the closure, noting that illicit trade has weighed on its South African operations and financial performance.
PMI Reports $40B in Revenue, Including 42% from Smoke-Free Products
PMI expects continued momentum, forecasting adjusted diluted EPS growth of 7.5% to 9.5%, and introduced targets calling for 6% to 8% organic net revenue growth.
Universal Announces Quarterly Dividend
The company, operating across more than 30 countries, said the dividend reflects its ongoing shareholder return strategy.
Plans to Toughen Vape Trade Licensing in Belarus
The new framework would introduce tougher retail licensing standards, with 70% of retail outlets selling non-compliant products.
