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.
Japan Tobacco Acquires U.S. Pouch Brand CLEW
The transaction includes U.S. trademarks, intellectual property, product formulations, and a premarket tobacco product application.
Former Kennedy Adviser Accuses Administration of Accommodating Vape Industry
Means accused former White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and deputy chief of staff James Blair of pressuring HHS to approve fruit-flavored e-cigarettes.
Australian States Consider $34B Lawsuit Against Tobacco Industry
The proposal reportedly targets British American Tobacco, Philip Morris International, Imperial Brands, and their overseas parent companies.
Fourth Circuit Upholds N.C. Vape Product Directory Law
A coalition of vape manufacturers, retailers, an industry trade association, and a consumer argued that the law was preempted by federal tobacco regulations. v
Reynolds Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuit Over $112M Tobacco Settlement
Reynolds argued that a previous ruling requiring ITG Brands to reimburse it for more than $250 million did not increase Philip Morris’ financial obligations.
AIR Global Reports 11.1% Q3 Revenue Growth
The company reiterated its 2026 guidance for revenue growth of 4% to 6% and low- to mid-single-digit Adjusted EBITDA growth.
WVA Criticizes European Parliament Report on Tobacco Policy
The WVA said the report fails to recognize differences in the relative risks of nicotine products, citing a European Parliament cardiovascular report.
France Seizes 40.8 Tonnes of Tobacco in National Operation
The operation was conducted Oct. 7–15, involving 38,454 inspections and resulting in 2,335 violations and 112 proposed administrative business closures.
Haypp Launches Nicotine Pouch Advent Calendar
The unique Nicotine Pouch Advent Calendar is now available to adult consumers across the UK, in a limited edition run of 400 units.
Former FDA Head Accuses Administration of Favoring Vape Industry
Makary said pressure to authorize fruit-flavored vape products contributed to his conflict with the administration before his resignation in May 2026.
PMI to Invest $71M in Philippine Smoke-Free Expansion
PMI said the investment will increase domestic production and export capacity, positioning the Philippines as a regional manufacturing and supply-chain hub.
Ispire Revenue Falls 9.3% in Fiscal Q1
The company is expanding manufacturing in Malaysia and pursuing new OEM and ODM relationships, including a potential deal with a Southeast Asian brand.
Pyxus Launches Debt Restructuring Exchange Offer
The offer, which expires Dec. 10, is part of a broader restructuring agreement with creditors holding significant portions of the company’s existing debt.
N.J. Advances Bill Increasing Retailer Penalties for Underage Sales
The bill would raise fines to $750 for a first offense, $1,500 for a second offense, and $3,000 for subsequent violations.
JT Shares Hit Daily Limit Again After Russia Takeover
Russia accounts for about 25% of Japan Tobacco’s adjusted operating profit and 10% of revenue.
