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Category: News This Week

  • ‘Forward-Looking Measures’ Spark Tension at COP11

    ‘Forward-Looking Measures’ Spark Tension at COP11

    Each day after the COP11 sessions end, the Global Alliance for Tobacco Control (GATC) posts a bulletin online that includes various thoughts and information from the day, including “awards” for groups it either agrees or disagrees with. The focus of yesterday’s bulletin (November 19) centered around the 16 “forward-looking measures” related to Article 2.1 of the WHO FCTC.

    Apparently, the forward-looking measures discussion created some provocative conversation as the GATC awarded its “dirty ashtray” distinction “To all the Parties who—incorrectly and, quite astonishingly, in unison—insisted that the Article 2.1 Draft Decision would impose new obligations, when it simply ‘invites’ Parties to ‘consider’ the 16 forward-looking measures.”

    In the section of the bulletin written by Cassandre Bigaignon and Amélie Eschenbrenner, they wrote, “Honestly, after sitting through multiple statements warning of ‘new obligations,’ ‘attacks on sovereignty,’ and declarations of countries being ‘simply not ready’ to implement these forward-looking measures, we have to ask: Were we all reading the same document?

    “So when a delegation raises the concern of ‘imposed new obligations,’ it fundamentally misrepresents the document’s intent, which is to expand the toolbox, encourage innovation, and share best practices, not bind Parties to new requirements.”

    The authors finished that section foreshadowing the next, in which they criticized the European Union, saying, “Amidst this debate on progressive action, the European Union’s silence today sure was deafening.” In the section titled, The EU at a Crossroads: Strong Leadership or a Silence that Serves the Tobacco Industry, they wrote, “Without consensus, the EU could lose its ability to speak and negotiate as a bloc at COP11, with significant global consequences. A divided EU would signal weakened resolve precisely as tobacco and nicotine industries intensify interference, exploit regulatory gaps, and push narratives aimed at stalling public health advances.

    “The stakes extend far beyond EU diplomacy. Division or silence within the region would directly benefit an industry that thrives on regulatory uncertainty. As newer nicotine products rapidly expand across Europe under the guise of ‘harm reduction’ and legislative progress stalls, strong European leadership is urgently needed.

    “The EU must seize the opportunity to speak with one strong voice at COP11. The world is watching, and failure to act would hand the advantage to an industry fundamentally opposed to public health. Europe can still stand together, if it chooses to do so.”

    In its parallel bulletin that covers the information from COP11 that gets released, Copwatch responded by saying, “GATC’s bulletin begins by calling out the dissenting EU member states. This is curious because the deliberations around reaching the EU’s common position on COP are supposed to be private.  Whilst it is true that there have been several leaks relating to the doomed struggles to reach a common position—the so-called ‘forward-looking measures’ having provoked such a backlash—GATC’s privileged position should prevent it from revealing what should be confidential information.  

    “This section ends with the appeal that ‘the world is watching.’ Sorry to break this to you, GATC, but…thanks to the secretive nature of the COP meetings, thanks to there being more compelling events for the world’s media to focus on, and thanks to the fact that people who smoke have been so thoroughly stigmatized—no, the world is not watching. The world doesn’t care much about FCTC COP.  But actually, we suspect that suits you just fine.”  

  • Philippines Defends Tobacco-Growers at COP11

    Philippines Defends Tobacco-Growers at COP11

    The Philippine delegation at COP11 earned praise from agricultural and civil society groups for emphasizing the country’s sovereign right to evaluate proposed global measures according to national priorities and capacities. Ambassador Carlos Sorreta, head of the delegation, highlighted the need for “socially and economically responsible” transitions that protect communities dependent on tobacco cultivation, noting that the crop continues to support livelihoods across nearly 20 provinces.

    Sorreta underscored that FCTC guidance is non-binding and should complement existing national efforts rather than impose restrictions. Local organizations, including the Northern Luzon Alliance, applauded this stance, warning that measures such as ending government support, imposing quotas, or phasing out tobacco sales would be “unrealistic, overly punitive and incompatible with the country’s agricultural and economic realities,” potentially threatening rural livelihoods and linked industries.

    The Federation of Free Farmers echoed these concerns, noting tobacco’s critical role in sustaining rural communities. It commended the delegation for prioritizing farmers’ welfare, arguing that the approach reflects a clear understanding of on-the-ground realities and protects not only the economic stability of tobacco-growing regions but also the dignity and future of the families who rely on this crop.

  • AIR Launches ‘Crown Switch’ in Germany

    AIR Launches ‘Crown Switch’ in Germany

    AIR Limited announced today (November 20) that its flagship Al Fakher brand has officially moved into the portable vape category with the launch of its Crown Switch device in Germany. Sold online via shisha-world.com, “Crown Switch is Al Fakher’s first rechargeable pod-based vape system using disposable pods and designed without ceramics or heavy metals, differentiating it from traditional coil-and-wick devices.”

    The product is powered by Greentank Technologies’ Quantum Vape platform and Coldstream cooling system, developed through a strategic partnership formed earlier this year. AIR says the technology delivers a colder, smoother, and more flavor-forward vapor experience aligned with Al Fakher’s hookah heritage.

    CEO Stuart Brazier said the launch reflects Al Fakher’s push to modernize its portfolio as hookah use expands in Western markets. The company plans a broader international rollout of Crown Switch in the coming months and anticipates accelerating new product development into 2026.

  • Brazil Attacking its Own Farmers, Critics Say

    Brazil Attacking its Own Farmers, Critics Say

    The International Tobacco Growers’ Association (ITGA) criticized Brazil for sending an “anti-tobacco” delegation to COP11, pointing out the hypocrisy for the third-largest tobacco grower in the world. In contrast, it pointed to Poland, which reportedly defended its 30,000 growers who held protests in Warsaw ahead of the conference.

    “Farmers also highlighted the hypocrisy of reducing European production only to replace it with imports,” the ITGA wrote in its daily update. “In Geneva, Poland’s delegation reinforced these concerns with strong statements defending growers and calling for balanced policymaking.

    “In stark contrast, Brazil—where more than 133,000 farming families rely on tobacco—has sent one of the most aggressively anti-tobacco delegations, showing little regard for the livelihoods at stake in its own domestic sector.”

    Romeu Schneider, vice president of Afubra (the Tobacco Growers’ Association of Brazil), voiced his opposition to the Brazilian government’s tobacco policy. “Brazil should never have ratified the FCTC, as it compromises national sovereignty and threatens Brazil’s tobacco market, which is valued for its quality and volume and has promoted many social and environmental initiatives in rural communities,” he said. “Tobacco is economically and financially crucial for a developing country like Brazil, yet current policies risk ceding this market to other countries. These measures are deeply concerning and place Brazilian producers in a difficult position, prompting strong indignation from our side.”

  • Greece Utilizing Technology to Shield Minors

    Greece Utilizing Technology to Shield Minors

    Greece rolled out three new digital tools this week designed to strengthen enforcement of its bans on selling tobacco and alcohol to minors, following legislation passed in July 2025. The first two tools are registers: one for businesses hosting events with minors and the second, a national register for all tobacco and alcohol retailers. The third tool is a secure digital age-verification mechanism for both in-store and online sales, where buyers verify age via a mobile-scanned QR code, using technology adapted from Greece’s KidsWallet system.

    Under the stricter law, businesses selling or offering tobacco to minors face fines of €500–€10,000 and potential license suspension or permanent revocation for repeat violations. Individuals can face fines and up to three years in prison for offenses including selling tobacco to minors or using children to sell tobacco. Advertising restrictions on tobacco products—including vapes—also carry fines of €500–€10,000.

  • Shisha Sales Included in Offenses of Latest Taliban Floggings

    Shisha Sales Included in Offenses of Latest Taliban Floggings

    The Taliban carried out a new wave of public floggings across six provinces in Afghanistan over the past three days, including punishments tied to the sale of tobacco-related products such as shisha. According to multiple statements from the Taliban Supreme Court, 11 individuals in Kabul were publicly flogged on Monday (November 17) for trafficking and selling narcotic tablets, alcoholic beverages, and shisha. Each received 39 lashes and prison sentences of up to one year. Additional public floggings took place on charges ranging from “illicit relationships” to theft.

    A recent U.N. report documented 242 public floggings between July and September, reflecting a sharp rise in corporal punishment since the Taliban’s 2021 return to power. The enforcement actions highlight the Taliban’s tightening controls over all intoxicant-related products, which remain prohibited under their interpretation of Sharia law.

  • CAPHRA Releases White Paper on THR in Asia Pacific

    CAPHRA Releases White Paper on THR in Asia Pacific

    The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) unveiled a new white paper, Harm Reduction Denied in Asia Pacific, during the “Asia Day” event at Good Cop 2.0 in Geneva, coinciding with FCTC COP11. The paper examines inconsistencies in WHO’s tobacco control approach across the SEARO and WPRO regions, drawing on official WHO data such as the Global Report on Trends in Tobacco Use 2000–2030 and the Global Health Observatory. It calls for reform in the application of harm reduction under the FCTC, proposing evidence-based policy solutions that align with public health objectives while respecting human rights principles. Among its recommendations are regulation rather than prohibition of safer nicotine products, inclusion of consumers and independent scientists in policymaking, and greater transparency and accountability in FCTC processes.

    CAPHRA emphasizes that denying harm reduction perpetuates preventable disease, encourages illicit trade, and undermines trust in public health systems. The white paper urges WHO member states at COP11 to reaffirm Article 1(d) of the FCTC by recognizing harm reduction as a key pillar of tobacco control and to adopt pragmatic, science-driven policies that protect lives. The full report is available here.

  • Georgia Tobacco Tax Reform Protects Domestic Production

    Georgia Tobacco Tax Reform Protects Domestic Production

    Georgia’s excise tax will increase by 85 tetri ($0.31) per pack for imported cigarettes, reaching 2.75 GEL ($1.02) per 20-cigarette pack beginning January 1, 2026. Outlined in a draft law proposed by Georgian Dream MPs, taxes on locally produced cigarettes will be reduced to 1.30 GEL ($0.48) per 20-cigarette pack for the first 35 million packs annually, and 2.75 GEL thereafter. Also, the ad valorem component for local production drops from 30% of retail price to 15% for the first 35 million packs, and 20% for production exceeding that amount.

    The legislation aims to protect and promote local tobacco production, increase competitiveness, and stabilize market share while maintaining fiscal and public policy objectives. Officials highlight that the new structure is expected to create a healthier competitive environment, support domestic producers, and sustain budget revenues.

  • Cambodia Issues Strict Nicotine Ban in Tourism Sector

    Cambodia Issues Strict Nicotine Ban in Tourism Sector

    Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism issued a stringent directive to all tourism service establishments, warning that, beginning today (November 20), businesses distributing, selling, storing, advertising, producing, or importing electronic smoking devices, vaping substances, and shisha will face penalties including written warnings, suspension, or revocation of tourism business licences.

    The warning applies to civil servants, contracted officials, and owners or managers of tourism-related businesses nationwide, prohibiting the import, distribution, sale, advertising, use, possession, production, or storage of these devices.

  • JTI No Longer Sponsoring The British Museum

    JTI No Longer Sponsoring The British Museum

    The British Museum told The Guardian that it did not renew its 15-year sponsorship deal with Japan Tobacco International after government officials raised concerns that the partnership could breach the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which prohibits promotion of smoking products. The deal expired in September and JTI’s name was removed from the museum’s website.

    The move follows years of criticism from campaigners, including a 2016 open letter signed by 1,000 people calling the sponsorship “morally unacceptable.” A report by the University of Bath’s Tobacco Control Research Group described the deal as part of JTI’s lobbying strategy, which still sponsors the Royal Academy of Arts and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Critics, including Labour MP Dr Simon Opher, said cultural institutions should not “legitimize an industry that profits from harm.”

    The museum said it was grateful for JTI’s support, noting sponsorship helps secure financial stability and accessibility. However, the decision underscores ongoing controversies over corporate funding in UK cultural institutions, with the museum’s £50m deal with BP in 2023 still drawing protests from climate activists and scrutiny from the sector’s new code of ethics. Members of the Museums Association, an industry body, voted last month to adopt a code of ethics that expects museums to transition away from sponsorship by “organizations involved with environmental harm (including fossil fuels), human rights abuses, and other sponsorship that does not align with the values of the museum.”