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Category: News This Week

  • Philippines: Industry Advocates Tax Moratorium to Curb Smuggling

    Philippines: Industry Advocates Tax Moratorium to Curb Smuggling

    The Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) has proposed a pause in excise tax hikes on tobacco, arguing it would deter consumers from buying smuggled cigarettes and stabilize prices for legitimate products. PTI President Jericho B. Nograles highlighted this during a Senate hearing on the illicit tobacco trade, suggesting that a moratorium could also bolster enforcement efforts against smuggling.

    Currently, excise taxes in the Philippines are set at P60 per pack of cigarettes, with vape products taxed at P54.60 (US$0.93) per milliliter for salt nicotine and P63 per 10 milliliters for classic nicotine. Despite collecting P130.91 (US$ 2.24bn) billion in tobacco excise taxes in the first 11 months of 2024, the Bureau of Internal Revenue remains short of its P185.34 billion target for the year.

    Nograles pointed to Singapore’s tax moratorium as a successful precedent and urged the government to simplify the tax system by standardizing rates for all vapor products. He also called for aggressive action from the Department of Justice against smugglers and illicit traders.

    Additionally, Republic Act No. 12022, signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., classifies agricultural smuggling, hoarding, and profiteering as acts of economic sabotage. Violators face severe penalties, including life imprisonment and fines up to five times the value of smuggled goods.

    Nograles emphasized that the illicit tobacco trade undermines legitimate industry players and creates inequities in the market.

  • Dutch Psychologists Push for Tobacco 21

    Dutch Psychologists Push for Tobacco 21

    Addiction psychologists from the Dutch Institute of Psychologists (NIP) are calling for an increase in the minimum age for purchasing tobacco and vaping products to 21. They cite rising smoking and vaping rates among youth as a growing concern, despite the Netherlands’ National Prevention Agreement, which aims to create a smoke-free generation by 2040.

    The NIP emphasizes that vaping poses significant health risks similar to smoking and advocates for complementary measures such as public awareness campaigns, higher taxes, and stricter sales restrictions to support the age increase. The proposal is part of broader efforts to curb youth addiction and achieve the country’s public health goals.

  • India Faces EU Sustainability Hurdles

    India Faces EU Sustainability Hurdles

    India has become the world’s largest tobacco exporter, with shipments worth $1.2 billion in FY 2023-24—a 19.46% increase from the previous year. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that tobacco exports, including unmanufactured tobacco and processed products, reached a record-breaking ₹12,005.8 crore ($1.5 billion). However, the industry faces mounting challenges as stringent European Union (EU) sustainability standards loom.

    The EU, a key importer of Indian tobacco, is set to enforce regulations under frameworks like the European Green Deal and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism by 2026, with full implementation by 2030. These measures aim to ensure sustainability, climate neutrality, and transparency. Experts warn that nearly 50-60% of India’s farm exports, including tobacco, could be impacted due to gaps in technology, training, and resources needed to comply with the EU’s rigorous standards.

    Indian farmers, many of whom are unaware of the impending changes, rely heavily on guidance from the Tobacco Board and the Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI). While efforts like promoting organic farming and reducing pesticide use are underway, the industry has yet to develop a comprehensive action plan. Tobacco Board Chairman Yashwant Kumar Chidipothu stresses the need for a gradual transition to meet global standards without jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions of farmers dependent on tobacco cultivation.

    As Europe tightens regulations, experts warn of potential domestic market disruptions, including declining export prices and increased local tobacco consumption. With time running out, the industry must navigate a delicate balance between sustainability and economic survival to retain its position in the global market.

  • Washington Lawmakers Renew Push to Ban Flavored Tobacco

    Washington Lawmakers Renew Push to Ban Flavored Tobacco

    Washington legislators are reviving efforts to ban flavored tobacco products, citing concerns over youth addiction and the targeted marketing practices of tobacco companies. Advocates, including Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, argue that flavors like menthol and fruit disproportionately appeal to minors, with the CDC reporting that 80% of tobacco-using teens prefer flavored options.

    Supporters say the ban is essential to reducing addiction and protecting public health. “These industries are creating customers for life,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. Advocacy groups like “Flavors Hook Kids” back the proposal, which follows a temporary ban on flavored vape sales enacted in 2019 during a surge in vaping-related lung injuries.

    Small business owners, however, warn of economic fallout. Chris Ward, owner of Torch Vape Shop, says flavored products make up 90% of his sales. “If this ban passes, it will kill my business,” he said, calling the legislation hypocritical compared to leniency on other harmful industries.

    The bill, which has failed in prior sessions, could gain momentum when the legislative session begins on January 13. Lawmakers argue it’s time to prioritize public health over profits, framing the ban as a necessary step to protect Washington’s youth.

  • Tobacco, Coffee Show Potential Against Parkinson’s

    Tobacco, Coffee Show Potential Against Parkinson’s

    A recent review published in NeuroToxicology has uncovered promising evidence that compounds found in tobacco and coffee may help reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide.

    Although smoking and coffee are commonly associated with negative health outcomes, the review points to several non-nicotine and non-caffeine compounds in tobacco and coffee that may have neuroprotective effects. These compounds, the review suggests, could play a role in reducing the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease by targeting the brain’s complex biochemical processes.

    However, researchers caution that it is the lesser-known bioactive compounds in tobacco and coffee—rather than nicotine or caffeine themselves—that seem to offer the most promise.

    According to the review, certain compounds in both tobacco and coffee could work in a variety of ways to protect against Parkinson’s disease. Among the most important are substances that inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase B (MAO B), an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the brain. Higher levels of MAO B are associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. Compounds like quercetin, found in both tobacco and coffee, can inhibit this enzyme, helping to preserve dopamine levels and reduce neuron damage.

    The review’s authors stress that while the evidence suggests tobacco and coffee may play a role in preventing Parkinson’s disease, further studies are crucial to identify which compounds are most beneficial and how they can be safely used for therapeutic purposes.

  • Study: U.S. Soldiers 10x More Likely To Use Nicotine Pouches

    Study: U.S. Soldiers 10x More Likely To Use Nicotine Pouches

    Active-duty U.S. Army soldiers are nearly 10 times more likely to use nicotine pouches than civilians, heightening their long-term risk for cancer, according to a University of Virginia (UVA) study. Researchers, in collaboration with Fort Liberty Public Health and the University of North Carolina, surveyed 2,000 soldiers and found that 25% had used nicotine pouches in the past month, compared to less than 3% of the civilian population.

    “Military personnel historically use tobacco and nicotine products at much higher rates than civilians,” said Melissa Little, director of UVA’s Center for Nicotine and Tobacco Research. The study highlights the dangers of nicotine pouches, which contain synthetic nicotine, bypass traditional tobacco regulations, and are often flavored to appeal to younger users. Unlike traditional chewing tobacco, pouch users swallow the juice, raising concerns about excessive nicotine consumption.

    Nicotine pouches are often used by soldiers as a discreet alternative to smoking, especially given restrictions on smoking, vaping, and chewing tobacco in Department of Defense facilities. Soldiers also turn to pouches during long field exercises to suppress hunger and stay alert, said Army Capt. Nicholas Hassell.

    The study found nicotine pouch users were predominantly young, male, white, and unmarried, with many also using other tobacco products. As 200,000 soldiers transition to civilian life each year, researchers emphasize the importance of addressing nicotine addiction early. “Providing military personnel with tools to lead healthy lives is the best way we can give back,” said Little, adding that tailored interventions for military personnel are in development.

  • India: Over 1,500 Kg of Product Seized in 2024 Virudhunagar Raids

    India: Over 1,500 Kg of Product Seized in 2024 Virudhunagar Raids

    Authorities seized 1,531 kilograms of banned tobacco products in 2024 across 403 shops and 44 vehicles in Virudhunagar, India, imposing fines totaling ₹1.06 crore (US$ 12,340) on offenders. The operations were part of the state government’s initiative to eliminate banned tobacco sales, particularly near schools and colleges.

    Joint teams from the Food and Safety Department and the police conducted 831 raids throughout the year. Offending shops were sealed, and vehicles transporting illicit tobacco were confiscated. In early 2025, additional raids led to the seizure of 16.275 kilograms of banned products from six shops in just four days.

    District Collector VP Jeyaseelan affirmed that strict measures will continue against those violating the ban, underscoring the administration’s commitment to public health and safety. The crackdown aims to curb access to harmful products and deter illegal sales in sensitive areas.

  • India: BJP Leader Condemns Exploitative Prices

    India: BJP Leader Condemns Exploitative Prices

    BJP Jogulamba Gadwal District (India) President S. Ramachandra Reddy has criticized Alliance One International for pricing that he calls exploitative compared to nearby ITC, which he says offers fair pricing. Reddy visited Alliance One’s procurement center near Alampur X Road Market Yard following farmer complaints. Farmers reported deductions of ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 (US$ 93.13–116.41) per quintal under the pretext of moisture content, despite an agreed price of ₹15,500 per quintal.

    Reddy condemned the unfair practices, noting the challenges farmers already face, including rising labor costs, poor yields, and delays in Rythu Bandhu benefits. He warned Alliance One to cease unjust deductions and ensure consistent daily procurement of crops, pledging BJP’s support for farmers if the exploitation persists.

    The visit was attended by several district representatives and party leaders, reflecting a collective effort to address the grievances of tobacco farmers and ensure fair treatment in the procurement process.

  • UKVIA Decries Lack of Representation at Bill Hearing

    UKVIA Decries Lack of Representation at Bill Hearing

    The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has expressed disappointment over the exclusion of vaping sector representatives and former smokers from a committee hearing on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The association emphasized the importance of including voices from the industry and consumers who have successfully quit smoking through vaping.

    “The legitimate industry, devoted to helping smokers quit and achieving a smoke-free future, should have had a voice,” the UKVIA said in a statement. To address this, the association is hosting an event in Parliament to present its views, including support for a retail licensing scheme—a measure it has long championed.

    As part of its advocacy, UKVIA has launched the ‘Real Vapers’ campaign, encouraging consumers to share personal stories of how vaping helped them quit smoking. The initiative aims to highlight vaping’s potential as a smoking cessation tool and influence policymakers as the Bill progresses.

  • KT&G Secures Strong Credit Ratings

    KT&G Secures Strong Credit Ratings

    KT&G has received stable credit ratings from S&P Global and Moody’s, earning an A- and A3 rating, respectively. These ratings reflect the company’s robust position in Korea’s tobacco market, where it leads with a 66.8% share in traditional cigarettes and a 46% share in heated tobacco products as of Q3 2024.

    KT&G stated it remains committed to maintaining a stable financial structure while continuing investments in its core businesses. These efforts aim to sustain its market leadership and solidify its credibility in both domestic and global markets.