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.
PMI Reports Higher Third-Quarter Revenue
Reuters reported that the company faces rising cost pressures from the war in the Middle East, including energy-related inflation expected to worsen in the fourth quarter.
IGEN, Vertex Expand Excise Tax Compliance Integration
The solution is designed for companies in highly regulated industries, including tobacco and oil and gas, and supports enterprises transitioning.
Armenia Seizes Nearly 38,000 Packs of U.S.-Bound Cigarettes
Customs officers inspected the doors at a cargo terminal after receiving intelligence that an Armenian-registered company planned to export tobacco products.
Vietnam Proposes Online Tobacco Sales Ban, Larger Pack Warnings
The proposal would also cover e-cigarette components and liquids, nicotine pouches, shisha, and certain tobacco raw materials.
Haypp to End Snusnetto Sales After Age-Verification Ruling
The decision follows a ruling that geo-located BankID verification at parcel lockers does not meet legal requirements for secure age verification.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Exports Surpass $1 Billion
Zimbabwe exported 190 million kg of tobacco worth $1 billion so far this year, up from 154 million kilograms valued at $844 million during the same period last year,
ASH Report Challenges UK’s Illicit Tobacco Market Numbers
ASH said illicit cigarettes accounted for 12% of U.K. cigarette consumption in 2024-25, while a KPMG report said it was closer to 45%.
T&C Backs Down on Tobacco Licensing Fees
Tobacco importers would pay the higher of 5% of accepted customs value or 5% of a reference value calculated by tobacco weight.
JTI Philippines Names Alan Jackson General Manager
JTI said he will focus on business growth, product innovation, and efforts to combat illicit tobacco trade through cooperation with stakeholders.
FDA Tabs Jessica Zeller for CTP Compliance and Enforcement
Zeller previously held senior positions within CTP’s Office of Compliance and Enforcement, including serving as its inaugural deputy director.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Registrations Up, Hectareage Down
Registered growers increased 10%, but the tobacco planting area is 85,025 hectares, down from 94,582 hectares in the previous season.
JT to Expand Nordic Spirit Retail Availability in Japan
The company will also expand retail availability of three varieties previously sold through its CLUB JT online shop.
Bulgaria Schedules Two More Cigarette Tax Increases by 2028
A pack currently priced at €4 could increase by about 14 to 15 euro cents after the March 2027 hike.
Malawi Tobacco Grower Registration Reaches 19% of Farmers
The commission plans to assess the reasons for the low registration rate.
Nelt Group and PMI Renew Serbian Distribution Agreement
The agreement covers distribution operations in the Serbian market.
