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.
RFK Jr.’s Spokesperson Resigns Over Flavored Vape Shift
He said the authorization conflicted with recent department guidance on youth risks from flavored nicotine and criticized senior officials for supporting it.
Three Former WHO Directors Push for Harm Reduction
They argued that progress in reducing smoking has slowed in many high-burden countries and that current policy debates increasingly conflate nicotine use with the harms of smoking.
WHO’s Report on Nicotine Pouches Draws Industry Response
“The WHO should be leading a science-based strategy to end smoking. Instead, it remains ideologically opposed to the very products helping make that goal achievable.”
Zimbabwe Tobacco Eyes Record Output, Concerned About China
Growers report increasing concerns over debt exposure, fees, and pricing, particularly within systems dominated by Chinese contractors.
Pakistan’s Effective Enforcement Welcomed by PMI
PMI said sustained enforcement is critical for revenue collection and market compliance, noting illicit trade is estimated to cost Pakistan $1.1 billion annually.
Caloocan City Adopts Anti-Illicit Tobacco Ordinance
The measure targets cigarettes lacking revenue stamps, graphic health warnings, or those sold below government-mandated pricing.
Swiss Groups Launch Passive Smoke Awareness Platform
The initiative follows new data indicating that 45% of 18–24-year-olds report using e-cigarettes, snus, nicotine pouches, or other products.
VB Distribution Appoints New CEO
Natalia Gosciniak takes over as CEO, while founder Adam Matliwala will become chairman, focusing on strategic oversight.
Drew Estate Formalizes Innovation Department, Hires New Marketing VP
Company president Jonathan Drew Sann will take the company’s newly created CIO position, and hired Andrew Duncan as senior vice president of marketing.
CBP Seizes $175M in Illicit Vapes from Maritime Cargo
The ongoing operation focuses primarily on shipments originating from China and is aimed at disrupting the illicit import and distribution of vape products.
Mancuso Takes Reins of Altria After Annual Meeting
Sal Mancuso formally succeeded Billy Gifford as CEO, marking a planned leadership transition announced at the end of 2025.
Hong Kong Customs Busts $1.5M Illicit Cigarette Ring
The case stems from a January raid on a remote warehouse in Ngau Tam Mei, where investigators discovered the cigarettes—valued at $1.3 million.
FDA Makes ENDS PMTA Roundtable Materials Available
FDA said the purpose of the roundtable was to solicit feedback on how to improve the efficiency and clarity of PMTA reviews.
Dutch Authorities Seizing Large Quantities of Illicit Products
The total value of the items would roughly be in the €14–20 million range.
PCA Survey Finds Stable Sales, Rising Regulatory, Cost Concerns
The survey also underscores gaps in industry advocacy engagement, with both groups noting limited resources and unclear pathways for participation.
