
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 and CBP Seize $34M in Illegal E-Cigarettes in Chicago
The team uncovered shipments of various illegal e-cigarette products, almost all of which originated in China and were intended for shipment to various U.S. states.

Survey: Two-Thirds of U.S. Healthcare Practitioners are Mistaken About Nicotine
A new survey found 47% of U.S. healthcare practitioners mistakenly believe nicotine is a carcinogen, while 19% are unsure.

CVA Says Vape Numbers are Being Misrepresented
“Certain anti-vaping organizations continue to misrepresent data, inflating perceptions of youth vaping prevalence to justify restrictive policies.”

PMI India Pushing T&T to Curb Illicit Trade
Similar systems have been successfully deployed in UK, Russia, Jordan, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Hungary Dismantles $67M Illegal Cigarette Network
Authorities confiscated 156 tons of tobacco, 1 million packs of counterfeit cigarettes, and three full cigarette production lines.

Pakistani Tobacco Exporters Urge for Competitive Tax Model
Pakistani tobacco exporters warned that the current tax structure “poses a challenge,” especially for smaller players.

Thoughts on FDA Reform
Prioritizing Education on Smoke-Free Alternatives By Dr. Tom Price The recent marketing authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of 20 Zyn nicotine

Survey: Two-Thirds of U.S. Healthcare Practitioners are Mistaken About Nicotine
47% mistakenly believe nicotine is a carcinogen and 19% are unsure, despite scientific consensus that the harms of smoking are from the burning of tobacco.

GWI Study: Majority of Vapers Support Disposable Vape Ban
31% of smokers say they are using vapes to reduce cigarette smoking, while 21% say they are using vapes to help quit smoking altogether.

Philippines Eyes Tobacco Tax Changes as Illicits Worsen
“One vape product is not the same as the consumption of one pack of cigarettes. The government will be losing a lot as vape is consumed for a longer period of time.”

Nepal to Require 100% Warnings on Tobacco Packaging
Warning messages in Nepali and “fatal” color images will be printed on the inside and outside of boxes, packets, wrappers, cartons, parcels, and packaging materials.

Scandinavian Reports Q1 Results
Net sales for the first quarter 2025 increased 1.3% to DKK 2 billion ($300 million) with a negative organic net sales growth of 8.8%.

Malaysian State Gets Aggressive with Ads as it Eyes Vape Regs
Officials have been instructed to immediately seize and confiscate advertisements related to e-cigarette products in the state.

Vietnam Seeks Feedback on Cambodian Tobacco Import
This item will be eligible for a special preferential import duty rate of 0% when imported into Vietnam.

Reno Reporters Stumble into Counterfeit Zyn
The tested product only contained 4.5mg of nicotine, contrary to the 6mg advertised, and additionally contained six methyl nicotine, an additive that should not have been in there.