TobaccoReporter logo

Category: Around the Industry

  • Pakistan to Digitally Monitor Tobacco Manufacturing

    Pakistan to Digitally Monitor Tobacco Manufacturing

    Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) directed all tobacco manufacturing units to install IP-based CCTV cameras at designated points in factories and green leaf threshing stations to monitor production and reduce tax evasion, according to Sales Tax General Order No. 7 of 2025. The move requires that finished goods cannot leave factory premises unless the production process is fully recorded and monitored in real time. The measure applies to both local and multinational manufacturers and covers all stages from green leaf processing to cigarette production.

    The FBR collects 18% sales tax and federal excise duty on domestic cigarette sales, ranking the sector among the top revenue generators. Authorities believe current collections fall short of potential, estimating that proper monitoring could increase revenues to approximately Rs600 billion ($2.1 billion).

  • BAT Zambia Defends ‘Utter Hypocrisy’ Criticism

    BAT Zambia Defends ‘Utter Hypocrisy’ Criticism

    British American Tobacco (BAT) was criticized for lobbying against elements of Zambia’s proposed Tobacco Control Bill, which includes restrictions similar to those already in place in the UK, home to BAT’s global headquarters. According to The Guardian, a letter from BAT Zambia to government ministers requested delays or amendments to proposed bans on advertising and sponsorship, reductions in the size of graphic health warnings, and the removal of restrictions on flavored tobacco products. The company also suggested lighter penalties for industry violations.

    Health advocates, including campaigner Master Chimbala, called the company’s stance “utter hypocrisy,” noting that similar measures have long been enforced in the UK. The draft bill would expand Zambia’s regulations to include e-cigarettes and require graphic warnings covering 75% of packaging.

    In response, BAT Zambia said it supports “progressive regulation” and participates in the legislative process in line with local law, emphasizing the need to balance public health goals with concerns about illicit trade and market realities.

    “The company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking,” a BAT Zambia spokesperson said. “We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers, and related stakeholders.”

  • Yocan Launches Kodo Star with Full Display Technology

    Yocan Launches Kodo Star with Full Display Technology

    Today (November 13), Yocan unveiled the Kodo Star, a compact 400mAh battery device featuring the company’s new Galaxy Full Display system, which the company says is the first of its kind in a pocket-sized vape. The device offers real-time voltage, session, and battery monitoring, with adjustable voltage from 1.8V to 4.2V, a 10-second smart preheat mode, and auto shutoff safety features. Measuring 57×23×18.5mm, the Kodo Star supports Type-C fast charging (0.8 hours) and 510 cartridges.

    Available in five colors—black, white, pink, purple, and blue—the Kodo Star “targets style-conscious, on-the-go users seeking performance, portability, and precision control.”

  • Malaysian Teens Recruited by Syndicate to Sell Vapes

    Malaysian Teens Recruited by Syndicate to Sell Vapes

    Authorities and parents in Malaysia are being warned about unscrupulous syndicates recruiting teenagers to sell vapes at schools for lucrative commissions, reported China Press. Students are allegedly being hired as “runners,” and then encouraged to get their peers addicted so they can sell them devices. One independent Chinese school reportedly took action against a student caught selling vapes on campus, and staff “members were shocked when a syndicate member boldly called the school board pleading for leniency on behalf of the student.” Educational sources urged parents to monitor their children closely.

  • BAT Launches Year-End Vape Promotion in Korea

    BAT Launches Year-End Vape Promotion in Korea

    Today (November 12), BAT Rothmans announced a promotion for its Glo Hyper series in South Korea, running both online and in-store through the end of the year. First-time buyers can purchase devices from the Glo Hyper Series, including the flagship Glo Hyper Pro, at special discounted prices. “The Hyper Pro features an EasyView screen and TasteSelect Dial for personalized heating control, while all neo sticks use StickSeal technology to prevent tobacco leaf residue.”

    A BAT Rothmans spokesperson said the year-end promotion aims to let more consumers experience the brand’s “innovative technology and differentiated experience at a reasonable price,” at the time of the year when colder weather drives people indoors. The company said surveys show odor reduction is a leading reason for smokers switching to vapes.  

    Government data shows e-cigarette sales in South Korea rose 8.3% year-on-year, capturing 18.4% of the total tobacco market in 2024—up from just 2.2% in 2017.

  • Duran Cigars Announces U.S. Return

    Duran Cigars Announces U.S. Return

    Today (November 12), Duran Cigars announced its return to the U.S. market, opening its new headquarters and distribution center in Little Havana, Miami, a location that is also a retail cigar shop and lounge. The new space “serves as the brand’s American home base, connecting its global operations to the heart of Miami’s cigar culture.”

    Founded in 2013, Roberto Duran Premium Cigars made its debut at the IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas, “introducing a portfolio that embodied the best of Cuban heritage and modern craftsmanship.” With a tobacco farm in Ecuador and a factory in Nicaragua, company founder, Roberto Pelayo Duran Sr., decided to focus the company’s efforts on the European and Asian markets. In its U.S. return, the company welcomes Duran’s son, Roberto Duran Jr., to the business, who will serve as a marketing and sales manager.

    “Concentrating on our farm and global markets allowed us to perfect our production and strengthen our foundation,” said Duran Sr. “Now, with my son joining the business, we have the right team and structure in place to reestablish our presence in the United States while continuing to grow internationally.”

  • More Serious Charges Remain in Arkansas THC Vape Suit

    More Serious Charges Remain in Arkansas THC Vape Suit

    An Arkansas federal judge dismissed parts of a proposed class action alleging a retailer, vape manufacturer, and others conspired to sell vaping products containing THC above legal limits. While warranty claims and the Drug Dealer Liability Act counts were thrown out, the court allowed fraud, negligence, racketeering (RICO), and fraudulent transfer claims to move forward.

    The case involves allegations that products labeled as under the 0.3% THC threshold actually exceeded that limit and that fraudulent lab certificates were used. Cigarette Store LLC, Savage Enterprises LLC, and ACS Laboratory LLC were among those named in Smith et al. v. Cigarette Store LLC et al.

  • Arturo Fuente Secures New Cameroon Wrapper Supply Through Universal

    Arturo Fuente Secures New Cameroon Wrapper Supply Through Universal

    Arturo Fuente confirmed a new partnership with Universal Leaf Tobacco Co. as its new Cameroon wrapper supplier following its split from longtime partner M. Meerapfel Söhn, according to Cigar Aficionado. Company leader Carlos Fuente Jr. spoke with the magazine recently at Big Smoke in Las Vegas, and assured consumers the brand will have ample Cameroon wrapper supply for years to come. He said the first shipment arrived at Fuente’s Dominican Republic factory.

    In a video released by the company, Fuente Jr. addressed recent rumors about shortages, emphasizing Fuente’s long-term reserves and commitment to quality.

    “There’s a big concern from rumors that have been spread about us not receiving Cameroon and us not having Cameroon available for your favorite cigars,” he said. “Early this week, we received an entire 40-foot container, [a] refrigerated container of African Cameroon wrapper. My friends, we have African Cameroon wrapper for years to come.”

  • Egypt’s Smoking Rate Drops 3.5% Since 2020

    Egypt’s Smoking Rate Drops 3.5% Since 2020

    Egypt’s smoking rate dropped to 14.2% in 2024, down from 17.7% in 2020, according to the Cabinet’s Media Centre, which credited the decline on tougher anti-smoking laws, public awareness campaigns, and expanded cessation services. The government strengthened enforcement of public smoking bans, prohibited sales to minors, and launched national quit-smoking hotlines and clinics.

    Despite progress, the government said it still wants to do more, as smoking still costs Egypt over $5 billion annually, with rising cigarette prices—now EGP 44–105 ($0.9–$2) per pack—reflecting ongoing tax hikes and inflation.

  • Tobacco Industry Interference List Released

    Tobacco Industry Interference List Released

    The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index released the results of its bi-annual survey today (November 11), ranking governments based on how they respond “to tobacco industry interference and protect public health policies from commercial and vested interests as required under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.”

    The report was initiated as a regional index by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) in 2014. It ranks countries based on their response to a 20-question survey, covering seven indicators of industry interference, including: the industry’s participation in policy development; tobacco industry-related corporate social responsibility activities; benefits given to the tobacco industry; unnecessary interaction between government and industry; measures for transparency; preventing conflicts of interest; and measures that prevent industry influence.

    The top-10 countries based on the criteria were Brunei Darussalam, Palau, Botswana, Netherlands, Finland, Ethiopia, Iran, Burkina Faso, Maldives, and Uganda and Norway tied for 10th. The bottom 10 were Colombia, Malawi, Indonesia, Zambia, Romania, Japan, Georgia, the United States, Switzerland, and the Dominican Republic.

    One of the biggest fallers on the list was New Zealand, which dropped from No. 2 in 2023 to No. 53 in 2025. Tobacco Reporter will have more analysis and reactions from the list later this week.

    Find the full list here.