GTNF 2023 Sessions

Illicit Cigarettes Still Increasing in Philippines

Illicit cigarettes can be purchased for three to four pesos per stick less than legal cigarettes.

Philip Morris Voluntarily Delists from Pakistan Stock Exchange

The Pakistan Stock Exchange accepted Philip Morris’ voluntary delisting request.

Six Manufacturers Appeal MDOs

Six manufacturers have filed appeals against FDA MDOs.

Survey: Most Policy Experts Misidentify Nicotine Risks

A multi-market survey shows that most policy experts continue to misidentify the risks of nicotine.

PMI Announces $37M Upgrade to Wilson, N.C. Facility

The Wilson factory currently produces HEETS for IQOS 3.0. The new investment will add a production line for TEREA, the consumables for IQOS ILUMA.

EU Commissioner Accuses Tobacco Industry of Misleading Policymakers

“They mislead policymakers about the risks of these new products, just as they did with light cigarettes in the past.”

Unifreight Africa Expands Fleet Ahead of 2026 Tobacco Season

Unifreight’s operational readiness, including its expanding 4PL division, positions it to handle peak tobacco volumes.

Indonesian Cigarette Industry Shifting Toward Exports

Indonesia ranks as the world’s fourth-largest tobacco exporter with a 6.08% global share, driven largely by sales to ASEAN markets led by the Philippines.

Nearly Half of Gen Z Think UK is Becoming a ‘Nanny State’

“It is a fine line between protecting and controlling the public, and it seems many people feel this line is being crossed.”

NSW Tobacco Licensing Enforcement Kicks In

Penalties for unlicensed sales will increase dramatically, with fines of up to $435,600 for individuals and $580,800 for corporations.

BAT Korea Replacing Butts with Flowers

Since launching in 2023, the project has transformed 50 alleyways into decorated streets lined with 3,000 trees and flowers.

Consumer Group’s Pouch Tour Hits Belgium

The campaign said that Belgium, with one of Western Europe’s highest smoking rates, denies smokers access to safer alternatives shown to be more than 95% less harmful than cigarettes.

Jordan Aiming to Cut One of the World’s Highest Smoking Rates

Jordan, with 71.2% of its male population smoking, faces a stark financial and health paradox.

Cigarette Manufacturers Raise Prices in Macedonia

The increase is not tied to new excise duties or state taxes, but stems from manufacturers’ pricing policies.

Posturing Continues as Indonesia Considers Scrapping Tobacco Excise Hike

Last week, citing the current 57% rate as the legal tax ceiling, the finance minister said cleaning up the illegal tobacco market and protecting jobs was more prudent.

22nd Century Group Backs FDA’s Proposed Reduced Nicotine Standard

It criticized Big Tobacco’s stance as contradictory, arguing that support for a reduced nicotine mandate aligns with pursuing a “smoke-free future.”

Vape Industry Slams Malaysia’s Proposed Ban, Points to Illegal Trade

The real problem lies with unapproved products and criminal misuse, not licensed businesses.

Trinidad & Tobago Considers Harm Reduction in Tobacco Policy

The absence of laws specific to vaping has left products in a legal grey area, creating uncertainty for smokers.

Joya de Nicaragua to Take Over U.S. Distribution from Drew Estate

Joya de Nicaragua, said the change reflects “taking ownership of the path ahead” while maintaining strong ties with Drew Estate.

Indonesia’s Tobacco Excise Policy is Public Health Puzzle

The government employs a complex excise structure designed to reduce consumption, maximize revenue, protect tobacco industry jobs, and combat the illegal cigarette trade.

FDA’s Makary Wants Retailers to Crack Down on Illegal Nicotine Products

To help retailers comply, the FDA is mailing educational packets that include a list of the 39 e-cigarettes and 20 nicotine pouches legally allowed on the market.