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  • Pakistan Seals Two Cigarette Factories for Illicit Trade

    Pakistan Seals Two Cigarette Factories for Illicit Trade

    Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sealed the manufacturing units of M/s Indus Tobacco Company and M/s Souvenir Tobacco Company in Mardan for “producing and circulating non-duty-paid and non–track-and-trace-stamp (TTS) cigarettes,” marking a historic enforcement action against politically connected operators, according to The Dawn. During raids, 62 cartons of illegal cigarettes were seized, and the manufacturing machinery of both companies was locked. Authorities confirmed that the crackdown targets the growing illicit cigarette market, which is estimated to cost Pakistan Rs. 250–300 billion ($900 million to $1.1 billion) annually in lost revenue.

    The operations were conducted by the Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation–IR Peshawar and officers from the Regional Tax Office Peshawar despite resistance from armed personnel linked to prominent local politicians. According to Pakistan’s Business Recorder, the factory closings happened “despite extraordinary pressure by a prominent political personality,” and included “apparent threats to the FBR officials.”

    The actions form part of a multi-layered national enforcement plan, backed by the Prime Minister and the Pakistan Army, aimed at dismantling illegal cigarette production, strengthening monitoring systems, and disrupting illicit supply chains. Over 200 FBR monitors and 120 Pakistan Rangers personnel have been deployed nationwide to oversee production, ensure lawful removal of goods, and prevent illicit manufacturing at Green Leaf Threshing units. The FBR emphasized that no political pressure would deter the enforcement of tax laws, highlighting the unprecedented sealing of factories previously protected by political influence.

  • JT Expands Ploom Aura EVO Menthol Line

    JT Expands Ploom Aura EVO Menthol Line

    Japan Tobacco Inc. launched two new EVO menthol sticks—Evo Black Menthol and Evo Fresh Mint—for its Ploom Aura heated tobacco device, along with an upgraded Evo Cold Menthol variant, Japanese media outlet Kakakumag reported today (December 1). The additions bring the EVO menthol series to three distinct options, offering varying cooling intensities and flavor profiles.

    According to the company, Evo Black Menthol delivers the strongest cooling sensation in the EVO portfolio, while Evo Fresh Mint provides a milder mint aroma with a moderate cooling effect and a prominent tobacco flavor. The upgraded Evo Cold Menthol balances menthol freshness with tobacco body more effectively than before.

    JT has also released a limited-edition Aqua Green Ploom Aura device, complementing the expanded EVO menthol lineup and giving users new design and flavor options.

  • NZ Survey Shows Teen Vaping Falling, Smoking Near Zero

    NZ Survey Shows Teen Vaping Falling, Smoking Near Zero

    A new Action on Smoking and Health survey of more than 30,000 “year 10 students” shows New Zealand’s youth vaping rates have dropped significantly, with regular vaping halving since its 2021 peak of 20.2%. Daily vaping has also fallen to 7.1%, down from the 2022 high of 10.1%, while fewer than one-third of teens have ever tried vaping. Chairperson professor Robert Beaglehole says vaping is “not as cool as it used to be” and credits regulation and shifting perceptions.

    Youth smoking, meanwhile, has nearly disappeared. Daily smoking sits at just 1%, a level Beaglehole calls a “major global success” and evidence that New Zealand is “raising a smoke-free generation.” He warns, however, that excessive regulation could undermine progress by pushing people back toward cigarettes.

    Some experts remain concerned about inequities and product substitution. Associate Professor Andrew Waa cautions that some teens may be turning to oral nicotine products and argues for a “nicotine-free future.”

  • Uzbekistan Imposes Harsh Criminal Penalties on E-Cigarette Trade

    Uzbekistan Imposes Harsh Criminal Penalties on E-Cigarette Trade

    Uzbekistan enacted strict amendments to its Criminal Code, introducing severe penalties for the import, export, production, and sale of e-cigarettes and other nicotine-containing devices, according to local media reports. The nationwide ban now criminalizes all forms of circulation, including purchase, storage, and transportation. Large-scale violations or repeat offenses after administrative penalties can result in fines, corrective labor, restrictions of freedom, or up to five years’ imprisonment.

    Authorities say individuals may avoid prosecution if they self-report and surrender prohibited products voluntarily.

  • Spain Probes Tobacco Smuggling Via Drones

    Spain Probes Tobacco Smuggling Via Drones

    Spanish authorities have launched an investigation into drone-led tobacco smuggling in La Línea after several devices were spotted near Gibraltar Airport, disrupting flights and forcing an RAF aircraft to divert to Portugal. According to Europa Sur, Spanish agencies have detected a sharp rise in smuggling groups using drones to bypass both the land frontier and traditional maritime routes. Customs officials say they are now coordinating with multiple enforcement bodies to counter the tactic.

    In London, Gibraltar representative John Cortes raised the issue with UK Minister of State for Defence Lord Coaker, highlighting the airport’s increasing exposure to drone incursions. The Royal Gibraltar Police, the MOD, and local aviation authorities have been investigating illegal drone activity for several months, as cross-border smuggling operations evolve.

  • India Proposes New Taxes on Tobacco and ‘Sin Goods’

    India Proposes New Taxes on Tobacco and ‘Sin Goods’

    India’s government introduced two new tax bills today (December 1) aiming to maintain high levies on tobacco and other “sin goods” after the Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation cess expires next year. The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill 2025, proposes excise duties of 60–70% on such products, with cigarette taxes calculated by length and filter type. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the GST compensation cess on tobacco will end once all related loan and interest obligations are cleared. A second bill would impose a fixed monthly levy on pan masala and other notified goods.

    The revenue is expected to fund health programs and national security while keeping high-risk products expensive to discourage consumption and reduce under-reporting. Both bills require manufacturer registration, including for small-scale and handmade producers.

    The legislation is part of a broader tax realignment and will next go to parliamentary panels for review before a likely vote in 2026.

  • PM Japan Launches Sentia Icy Red for IQOS

    PM Japan Launches Sentia Icy Red for IQOS

    Philip Morris Japan introduced a new heated tobacco product, Sentia Icy Red, for its IQOS ILUMA i device and the IQOS ILUMA-exclusive “SENTIA” sticks. The product will be available in Japan beginning today (December 1) at four IQOS stores nationwide, select Yamada Denki and Bic Camera locations, and IQOS corners in some Don Quijote-affiliated stores. Online sales begin December 4, with availability at tobacco and convenience stores nationwide from December 8.

    According to the company, Sentia Icy Red features a strong cold menthol sensation combined with delicate fruity red berry and floral aromas, expanding the Sentia portfolio to 17 brands. The product is priced at 530 yen ($3.39) for 20 sticks.

    This launch reflects Philip Morris Japan’s ongoing strategy to diversify flavors and experiences for heated tobacco consumers while promoting its IQOS ILUMA platform.

  • CAPHRA Says WHO Allowing Prohibitionists to Dominate Agenda

    CAPHRA Says WHO Allowing Prohibitionists to Dominate Agenda

    The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) criticized the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Secretariat for allowing what it called “Bloomberg-funded prohibitionist NGOs to dominate the policy agenda” at COP11. CAPHRA said the “Dirty Ashtray Award” given to New Zealand reflects a corrupted process in which countries are shamed for not aligning with an ideological, prohibition-driven narrative rather than evidence-based public health outcomes.

    New Zealand, CAPHRA said, has one of the world’s lowest smoking rates at 6.8%, alongside sharply declining youth vaping and minimal youth smoking—developments credited to its harm-reduction framework. Despite this success and strengthened penalties for youth access violations, New Zealand was targeted while countries with far higher smoking rates received positive recognition. Supportive COP11 delegations, including Canada, Sweden, and Germany, likewise emphasized transparency, consumer input, and independent science, highlighting widening divisions within the treaty process.

    CAPHRA executive coordinator Nancy Loucas condemned the Secretariat’s approach, saying evidence-based harm-reduction advocates are wrongly portrayed as industry-aligned. CAPHRA is urging the FCTC to uphold its mandate, arguing that countries must be free to craft policies suited to their own contexts.

    Source: CAPHRA

  • Zimbabwe Nears $1.1B From Tobacco Exports

    Zimbabwe Nears $1.1B From Tobacco Exports

    Zimbabwe earned $1.1 billion from 201.4 million kg of semi-processed tobacco exported between January and November, according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board. This compares with $1 billion from 208.4 million kg during the same period last year.

    The Far East remained the top buyer, taking 89.1 million kg worth $630.7 million at an average $7.08/kg. Africa followed with 33 million kg valued at $154.6 million, while the Middle East bought 30 million kg for $88 million. The EU imported 27.2 million kg at $5.83/kg, and Europe purchased 12.8 million kg at $5.09/kg. The Americas bought 9.1 million kg, and Oceania, though a small buyer, paid the highest price at $8.45/kg.

    Tobacco remains Zimbabwe’s top agricultural export and key foreign currency earner, generating $1.3 billion in 2024 and contributing roughly 30% of total exports.

  • Russian Deputies Call for Complete National Vape Ban

    Russian Deputies Call for Complete National Vape Ban

    A group of State Duma deputies proposed amendments to completely ban the sale of vapes and e-liquids in Russia, while also introducing stricter penalties for illegal trafficking and involving minors in nicotine use. The amendments, prepared by deputies led by Yaroslav Nilov, Yana Lantratova, and Nina Ostanina, have been submitted for consideration to relevant working groups and reviewed by RBC.

    The proposal is linked to the second reading of a bill on licensing the retail trade in tobacco and nicotine products. Deputies highlighted that the ban aligns with President Vladimir Putin’s call for radical measures to protect children and young people from vaping risks. The amendments were sent to multiple inter-factional working groups focusing on public health, moral education, and the protection of traditional Russian values.

    The initiative has been framed as a long-overdue measure to safeguard public health, according to Lantratova, who emphasized that partial restrictions are insufficient. The current bill, submitted by the government in September 2025, sets a licensing framework for retail sales of tobacco and nicotine products, with unlicensed sales prohibited from September 1, 2026, and a transition period until September 1, 2027. The Ministry of Finance has also proposed giving regional authorities the power to impose local bans on vape sales, notifying the Federal Service for Alcohol Tobacco Control accordingly.