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.
Report Finds EU Lagging in Fight Against Illicit Tobacco
The auditors estimate the illicit tobacco trade costs the EU and its member states about €13 billion in lost revenue annually.
Imperial Acquires Owner of Helwit Nicotine Pouches
The acquisition more than doubles Imperial’s existing modern oral market share in Sweden, where the company operates through Skruf AB.
PMI Raises 2026 Full-Year EPS Forecast on Currency
CEO Jacek Olczak addressed investors today (Sept. 8) at the 2026 Barclays Global Consumer Conference in Boston.
Cabbacis Files Trademark Applications for X95 Cigarette
X95 is a tobacco cigarette containing approximately 95% less nicotine than conventional commercial cigarettes and no hemp.
Nicotine-Like Products Expose Blind Spot in Korean Vape Rules
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety plans to complete a safety assessment of 6-methylnicotine this year and examine other nicotine-imitation substances.
Nordic Spirit Named Official Nicotine Pouch Partner of Co-op Live
Under the long-term partnership, Nordic Spirit will conduct in-venue activations for adult nicotine consumers and sell its nicotine pouches at selected bars throughout the arena.
PMI U.S. Launching Campaign Around Zyn’s ‘Click’
The campaign will be introduced to retailers and distributors at the National Association of Convenience Stores Show in October.
ALP Partners with Matchroom Boxing in European Expansion
The company said the Matchroom deal is its first major partnership in the U.K. and Ireland.
Davidoff Leaves ProCigar
The company’s Dominican operation was a founding member of ProCigar. Davidoff said it will continue working to support the cigar industry’s sustainable growth.
Hungary Emerging as Key Link in EU’s Illegal Cigarette Trade
The report found sophisticated facilities capable of making hundreds of thousands of cigarettes, with extensive networks to move products into Western Europe.
UKVIA Launches Campaign to Preserve Vaping
UKVIA is challenging measures including plain packaging, tighter flavor and display restrictions, a planned advertising and sponsorship ban, and the upcoming duty.
Investigative Article Focuses on Chen Zhi and Cuba’s Struggling Cigar Market
Decades of underinvestment in production, coupled with skyrocketing prices and recent geopolitical blockades, have alienated traditional cigar enthusiasts.
Australia’s Coalition Looking to Stop Illicit Tobacco, Gangs
The Coalition estimates organized crime groups make up to $4.8 billion annually from illicit tobacco, with proceeds funding drugs, money laundering, and violence.
Altria Sues FDA Over Product Review System
Altria says the agency has failed to meet the statutory 180-day review deadline and argues that recent FDA changes still have not resolved the backlog.
Reynolds Defends Policy Advocacy Amid Wyden’s Probe
Reynolds defended its advocacy for reduced-risk products while rejecting the pay-to-play allegations.
