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Category: Global Regulation

  • Report: FDA, DEA Lack Ability to Enforce Hemp Ban

    Report: FDA, DEA Lack Ability to Enforce Hemp Ban

    Last week the Congressional Research Service (CRS)—the nonpartisan investigative office that advises U.S. lawmakers—issued a report warning that both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) do not have the resources (i.e. funding, staff, and infrastructure) necessary to enforce the new policy set to take effect in 2026 that would ban “intoxicating hemp products.” The measure, added to last month’s federal spending deal, redefines hemp to prohibit products containing more than 0.4 mg of total THC per package, effectively banning popular hemp-derived cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, HHC, and high-THCA products.

    “It remains unclear if and how federal law enforcement will enforce the new prohibitions,” the CRS was quoted on December 3. “Both FDA and DEA may lack the resources to broadly enforce the laws prohibiting intoxicating hemp products on the market.”

    Industry participants cautioned that an unfunded ban could drive unregulated and illicit sales. Dino Awadisian, founder of Mamba Brand, said the lack of a regulatory framework risks expanding the black market and called for structured federal oversight instead.

    “A law with no funding is not enforcement—it’s theater,” Awadisian said. “This will not protect the public. It will only reward unsafe, unregulated, and untraceable products.”

    The report also flagged potential new restrictions on hemp and cannabis seeds, which could be regulated based on genetic potential rather than THC content, exposing seed distributors to legal risk. Industry advocates are urging lawmakers to replace prohibition with nationally funded licensing, testing, age restrictions, and packaging standards.

  • Spain Moves Toward Outdoor Smoking Ban

    Spain Moves Toward Outdoor Smoking Ban

    The Spanish government approved a draft bill that could ban smoking on bar and restaurant terraces, as well as in public spaces such as parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, bus shelters, train stations, and university campuses. The legislation, still subject to parliamentary approval, would also include e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and hookahs, effectively covering all smoking and vaping devices.

    The draft bill would also prohibit the sale of single-use e-cigarettes and restrict all tobacco advertising, including sponsorships and promotions at events, aiming to reduce tobacco’s visibility and appeal, particularly among youth. Violations could result in fines of up to €600,000, and establishments would be required to acknowledge the ban with clear displays.

    The law is currently undergoing public consultation, allowing associations, companies, regional governments, and citizens to provide feedback. Following review, the bill must pass Congress and the Senate before becoming official, with final implementation expected in the coming years if approved.

  • Philippines Seeks Feedback on Vape Advertising Permits

    Philippines Seeks Feedback on Vape Advertising Permits

    The Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is inviting stakeholders and the public to comment on a draft policy introducing a mandatory permitting system for advertising and sales promotion of vape products, including devices and novel tobacco products. The proposed Department Administrative Order (DAO) requires advertisers to obtain either an Advertisement Permit or Sales Promotion Permit from the Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products before any campaign can be released.

    Under the draft DAO, campaigns must be filed at least 30 days in advance, may run for up to one year (extendable by six months), and require submission of business registration documents, campaign materials, and proof that retail stores are not within 100 meters of schools or areas frequented by minors. Fees vary by permit type, geography, and number of prizes, and amendments must be reported 14 days before release.

    The policy also introduces mandatory age-gating for online promotions to restrict access to users aged 18 and above.

  • Central America’s No. 1 Tobacco Importer, Belize Pushing for Tobacco Control

    Central America’s No. 1 Tobacco Importer, Belize Pushing for Tobacco Control

    Belize is advancing its Tobacco Control Bill 2025, with first readings complete and second and third readings scheduled next week. Dr. Melissa Diaz Musa, Director of Public Health & Wellness, described the legislation as “strong” and aimed at regulating tobacco like other legal substances to protect public health.

    The bill seeks to curb tobacco use and related non-communicable diseases, drawing public support for stricter regulations similar to seatbelt or driver licensing laws.

    While reporting on the bill, 7 News Belize wrote, “while the bill is progressive, in a jarring contradiction we must note that due to the tobacco trade coming out of the northern and western free zones, Belize is the number one tobacco importer in all of Central America and it feeds cheap Chinese cigarettes into Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala through legal and illegal crossings.”

  • Switzerland to Implement New Tobacco-Ad Rules in 2027

    Switzerland to Implement New Tobacco-Ad Rules in 2027

    Switzerland opened a formal consultation on new tobacco and nicotine advertising restrictions, setting the stage for the rules to take effect in early 2027. The move marks a key step in implementing the “Children and young people without tobacco advertising” initiative approved by voters in 2022, which calls for banning all tobacco ads accessible to minors.

    After protracted debate, parliament adopted a compromise earlier this year. Advertising in newspapers and magazines will be prohibited unless the publication is primarily subscription-based and at least 98% of readers are adults. The draft ordinance also details new age-verification requirements for online ads, e-commerce sales, and vending machines. Proof of age must be confirmed using an official physical or digital ID, including SwissID or the national e-ID.

    Additional rules outline how event organizers must prevent minors from seeing tobacco-sponsored advertising, including mandatory age checks and restricting access to areas where such ads are displayed.

  • Czech Republic Bans Candy-Flavored Vapes

    Czech Republic Bans Candy-Flavored Vapes

    Candy-flavored e-cigarettes and products containing cannabinoids will not be replenished as they are sold at Czech vape shops under a new law that took effect this week. Retailers have seven months to clear existing stock before the products are prohibited.

    Health experts say the ban is aimed at protecting minors, who they say are especially vulnerable to nicotine addiction and often unaware of the high doses delivered by e-cigarettes. They say nearly 14% of Czechs used e-cigarettes last year, and usage among 15- to 24-year-olds has surged to more than 25%, with most choosing sweet flavors.

    Critics argue that enforcing existing age-restriction laws would be more effective, but supporters point to international evidence suggesting flavor restrictions reduce youth uptake. Fruit-flavored products will remain available, but officials say removing candy-style options is a necessary step to limit early nicotine exposure.

  • India Raises Cigarette Tax to Curb Consumption

    India Raises Cigarette Tax to Curb Consumption

    India’s parliament approved the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill 2025, a tax reform expected to raise cigarette prices for the country’s estimated 100 million smokers. The bill was introduced on December 1 and passed on December 3.

    The new law replaces a temporary levy and imposes a value-based tax of 2,700–11,000 rupees ($29–$122) per thousand sticks, depending on size, in addition to a 40% goods and services tax. Experts estimate this could raise excise duties by 25–40% on average, potentially prompting higher retail prices. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that cigarettes should not become affordable, noting that current taxes account for about 53% of retail prices.

  • Wisconsin Lawmakers Renew Push to Raise Tobacco Age to 21

    Wisconsin Lawmakers Renew Push to Raise Tobacco Age to 21

    Wisconsin legislators are again attempting to bring state law in line with federal rules that set the minimum tobacco purchasing age at 21. Despite the federal change in 2019, state law still lists the age as 18, creating confusion for retailers and police. Similar bills cleared the Assembly in 2020 and 2022 but stalled in the Senate.

    Supporters say updating the law would strengthen enforcement and help curb youth access. “When 18-year-olds are allowed to purchase these products, they often find their way into the hands of younger friends and classmates,” said Rep. Karen Hurd, R-Withee.

    Many retailers, including Madison’s Puffin Pass, already follow the federal age limit. “Nicotine products for us have always been 21,” said general manager Seth Blackstone.

    Senate leaders have not indicated whether they will support the new proposal.

  • Nigeria Wants THR to Drive Low Smoking Rates Lower

    Nigeria Wants THR to Drive Low Smoking Rates Lower

    Despite already having one of the world’s lowest smoking rates at 3.7%, public-health experts are urging Nigeria to adopt a science-based, risk-proportionate tobacco harm-reduction (THR) strategy, saying the country cannot meaningfully cut smoking-related diseases without offering safer alternatives to cigarettes. Epidemiologist Dr. Yusuff Adebayo said traditional tobacco-control measures should be strengthened but paired with validated low-risk nicotine options for adults who cannot quit.

    Adebayo said Nigeria needs clear product standards, safety rules, transparent labelling, and tax policies that reflect relative risk, warning that high taxes or unclear regulations could push smokers to illicit, dangerous products.

    Adebayo cited countries such as the UK, Sweden, and Japan as examples of risk-proportionate frameworks that have helped reduce smoking rates. He also highlighted gaps in medical training, referencing a 2024 study showing uncertainty about THR among Nigerian medical students. Experts say a structured THR policy could also reduce illicit trade, attract compliant manufacturers, and lower long-term healthcare costs.

  • Extent of Australia’s Illicit Tobacco Crisis Coming to Light

    Extent of Australia’s Illicit Tobacco Crisis Coming to Light

    Australia’s illicit tobacco trade is believed to be nearing double the size of the legal market, with excessive excise rates driving a surge in smuggled cigarettes, illicit tobacco and e-cigarette commissioner Amber Shuhyta warned. She told the Senate that estimates of black-market products may be approaching 65% of all tobacco sold, fueled by retail cigarette prices approaching A$50 ($33) a pack. Smuggled packs sell for about A$15 ($9.90), pulling revenue away from legitimate retailers and the federal budget.

    Legal tobacco sales are collapsing, she said. Supplier Metcash reported a 35% drop in sales over the six months to October, while Australia’s tobacco tax take has fallen from 0.8% of national income to below 0.3% in five years—creating a A$69 billion ($45.5 billion) budget shortfall.

    Meanwhile, organized crime groups competing for control of the illegal tobacco and vaping market have been linked to murders, extortion, and hundreds of fire bombings nationwide. Border Force Commissioner Gavan Reynolds said officers seized more than 2.5 billion cigarettes last financial year and intercepted 439 tons of loose tobacco, worth an estimated A$4.4 billion ($2.9 billion) in evaded duty. He said enforcement now targets the supply chain “before the border, at the border, and post-border.”