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.
Canadian Court Certifies Class Action Against Juul, Altria
The lawsuit alleges the companies marketed e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to cigarettes while contributing to nicotine addiction.
Retail Groups Urge Processors to Revise Vape Enforcement Policies
The groups argued the payment processors’ enforcement standards do not reflect the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s updated enforcement priorities.
Turning Point Brands Announces Dividend
The board of directors of Turning Point Brands, Inc. announced a regular quarterly dividend of $0.08 per common share.
Kenya Overturns Enforcement of Shisha Ban
The ruling prevents authorities from enforcing the 2017 shisha regulations and invalidates recent government crackdowns based on those rules.
Tennessee Increases Penalties for Fake IDs for Nicotine
The law will increase penalties for people under 21 who use fake identification to purchase nicotine or hemp products, imposing fines of $10 to $50.
EU-ASEAN Business Council Calls for Regional Action Against Illicits
The council called for intelligence sharing, regulatory frameworks, digital customs tools, stronger collaboration, and closer engagement with partners, including India.
Australia Tightens Import Controls on Nicotine Pouches
The new rules do not prohibit all nicotine pouch use but require products to meet regulatory approval requirements before they can be legally imported or supplied.
PMI U.S. Opens $1.2 Billion Colorado Manufacturing Campus
The 780,000-square-foot facility will expand domestic production capacity for Zyn and strengthen PMI’s U.S. supply chain and export capabilities.
Godfrey Phillips India Profit Falls 44% After Tax Hike
The company said product revenue more than doubled to $378 million; however, profits dropped 44%.
BAT Kenya Says Illicit Cigarettes Costing $92M in Lost Taxes
The warning came as BAT Kenya reported half-year revenue growth of 5% to $94.7 million, supported by export recovery and growth in nicotine pouches.
Indonesia Adds Tax Layer to Bring Illegal Cigarettes into the Fold
The move is intended to bring machine-rolled clove cigarettes (SKM) that have effectively operated outside the current tax structure into the excise system.
Thai Tobacco Trade Backs Single-Rate Reform
The association said a balanced flat-rate tax, combined with stronger enforcement against illegal tobacco, would help stabilize government revenue.
Filipino Leaders Press for Smoke-Free Bill
The proposed measure would establish a nationwide ban on smoking and vaping in indoor public spaces and workplaces.
Nicokick Partners With Zone for PBR Event
Nicokick said zone sales on its platform increased 158% in 2025, making it one of its largest brands.
Don Abram Harris Cigars Files $8B Lawsuit Against PM USA
PM argued the mark could be confused with its Marlboro cigarette trademarks, while Harris is seeking damages, a jury trial, and a court declaration.
