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Category: Global Regulation

  • Malaysian Study Proposes 80% Retail Price Increase

    Malaysian Study Proposes 80% Retail Price Increase

    A collaborative study led by health organizations including Johns Hopkins and the American Cancer Society proposes raising Malaysia’s average retail cigarette price from MYR 17.40 ($4.11) to MYR 31.74 ($7.50) per pack—an over 80% increase—by implementing a 159% excise tax hike. The goal is to reduce adult smoking prevalence from ~18.2% to the national target of 15%.

    The proposal is estimated to generate roughly MYR 2.6 billion ($615mn) in annual tax revenue, while also addressing stagnating affordability since 2014 despite already high tax levels (~75% of retail price). The study builds on WHO recommendations for structured adjustments tied to GDP and inflation.

  • Tobacco Companies Using Online Gaming, Metaverse for Marketing

    Tobacco Companies Using Online Gaming, Metaverse for Marketing

    Tobacco companies are now using online gaming communities, virtual reality platforms, NFTs, and avatars to promote and market smoking and vaping to young people, according to a recent World Conference on Tobacco Control report, notes the Times of India.

    Using these metaverse platforms bypasses traditional advertising restrictions and raising the possibility of increasing youth tobacco use, according to the research from the Canary Project.

    The digital promotions often include things like branded virtual lounges, influencer avatars, and immersive events featuring tobacco products.

    Experts are concerned that the tactic will normalize tobacco use among youth; over half of the metaverse’s active users are ages 13 and below. “The combination of immersive technology and addictive marketing is deeply concerning,” said Melina Magsumbol of Vital Strategies India, part of the global health organization that runs the Canary Project.

  • South Korea’s NHIS Submits Petition in Tobacco Damages Lawsuit

    South Korea’s NHIS Submits Petition in Tobacco Damages Lawsuit

    South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) formally submitted a petition bearing 1.5 million signatures to support its appeal currently before the Seoul High Court. The NHIS is seeking KRW 53.3 billion (≈ USD 38–40 million) in compensation from KT&G, Philip Morris Korea, and BAT Korea for smoking-related healthcare costs dating back to April 2014.

    The petition was delivered on July 25, 2025, and accompanied by a statement from NHIS President Jung Ki-suck, a pulmonologist, highlighting the addictive nature of tobacco and accusing tobacco firms of downplaying smoking risks. Public statements in the petition allege the companies have never taken responsibility despite evidence linking tobacco use to cancer. The case is in appeals following a 2020 decision that deferred damages, citing the need to exclude other contributing risk factors.

  • Redding, CA Increases Oversight on Vape, Smoke Shops

    Redding, CA Increases Oversight on Vape, Smoke Shops

    Redding is advancing a new licensing program to regulate about 119 tobacco retailers, including approximately 29 vape and smoke shops, with the aim of curbing youth access and controlling illicit product flows. The proposed $265 license fee would fund enforcement via police and code compliance officers.

    Initial inspections at shops like Cloud 9 revealed violations including unlicensed operations and missing required signage. Enforcement has involved verbal warnings, product seizures, and compliance education. Officials cited major seizures of illegal flavored tobacco and vape items, often used to evade tax and targeting youth.

    Mandated tobacco enforcement capacities are expanding: a dedicated tobacco inspector funded by grants through 2028 is under training. While undercover compliance tests in late 2024 showed full compliance, officials caution that continued vigilance is needed to counter evolving violations tied to flavors and cannabis-infused offerings.

  • Malaysian Government Weighs Nationwide Vape Ban

    Malaysian Government Weighs Nationwide Vape Ban

    On July 28, 2025, Malaysia’s Health Minister confirmed that Putrajaya is actively considering a federal ban on the sale and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices. A special committee under the Health Ministry is tasked with developing the legal framework needed to implement the ban under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which came into force on October 1, 2024. While certain states already have local bans, a federal prohibition would ensure consistency and enforcement across state lines.

    The move has gained traction amid concerns that up to 70–80% of confiscated vape products contain illicit substances such as methamphetamine and cannabinoids, according to ministry data. Health advocacy groups, including the Malaysian Medical Association and child rights activists, have called for a nationwide ban. They argue that piecemeal state-level actions are insufficient, and that a unified prohibition is necessary to protect youth and counter illicit trade.

    Industry stakeholders are closely watching, especially retailers currently operating under varying state regulations. If enacted, a federal ban would halt open-system devices that permit consumer customization or refilling, which are widely sold and often less regulated. It would also shape inventory planning, marketing compliance, and licensing across distribution channels. Finally, the government may tie the ban proposal to broader cessation efforts or public healthcare reforms, potentially linking vape product restrictions with national strategies to reduce smoking prevalence or manage related public health budgets. The legislative process is at an early stage and committee recommendations are expected to detail exemptions, penalties, and timelines.

  • Kathmandu Steps Up Enforcement of Smoking Ban

    Kathmandu Steps Up Enforcement of Smoking Ban

    Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has relaunched enforcement efforts on its longstanding ban covering smoking (and chewing tobacco) in public spaces, which was weakly applied under earlier legislation. As the fiscal year 2024–25 began, the mayor’s office and city council approved reactivation of the ban, now backed by an awareness campaign and a clearly defined penalty structure. Starting August 17, 2025, anyone caught smoking in public places—from streets to public transport—is subject to a fine of NPR 500 (around USD 3.70) per offence.

    The renewed push aims to address compliance gaps identified in previous years, when fines rarely exceeded nominal amounts and enforcement was sporadic. Past notices dating to 2022 and 2019 referenced fines ranging from NPR 100 to NPR 100,000, but implementation had been lax. Reports confirm police issuing only token numbers of fines even after earlier reauthorizations of the ban, highlighting a persistent enforcement challenge. This strengthened regime ties into broader national tobacco control reforms—including Nepal’s shift to mandating 100% pictorial health warnings across all tobacco product packaging effective August 17, 2025.

  • Taiwan: HTPs Given Conditional Approval, Blocked For Personal Import

    Taiwan: HTPs Given Conditional Approval, Blocked For Personal Import

    Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration has conditionally approved 14 heated tobacco products for legal sale under the revised Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, the agency announced Tuesday. Customs confirms that personal imports of heated tobacco products (HTPs) remain prohibited.

    Lo Shu-ying, head of the HPA’s Tobacco Control Division, said the approval process will follow the same procedures used for traditional tobacco products, including a review of packaging and product contents.

    Lo added that the HPA will work with the Customs Administration and the Ministry of Finance to discuss supporting measures, such as the import of heated tobacco products by individuals and the collection of tobacco surcharges, but only after the current administrative reviews are completed.

  • New Zealand: PMI Tax Incentive Extended Through 2027

    New Zealand: PMI Tax Incentive Extended Through 2027

    New Zealand’s tax incentive for Heated Tobacco Products, initially introduced in mid-2024 as a one-year pilot, has been extended for two additional years, with the formal review now moved to July 2027. The excise tax was halved in a bid to encourage smokers to switch from combustible cigarettes to less harmful alternatives.

    The initial trial failed to generate viable data: health ministry briefings confirmed that Philip Morris did not pass cost savings to consumers in the critical early phase, and IQOS devices were removed from shelves for approximately five months due to non‑compliance with battery-removability regulations. Officials described any evaluation at that point as “meaningless,” given that reduced priced HTPs were unavailable for the majority of the trial period.

    Associate Health Minister Casey Costello justified the extension by citing her own “independent advice,” later revealed to consist of five articles—many outdated or about different products—that offered only marginal support for HTP-friendly tax policy. Treasury officials warned that Philip Morris, as the sole importer, would reap the bulk of the estimated NZ$200–300 million cost over the extended term.

    Opposition health advocates suggest the extension favors multinational manufacturers—particularly Philip Morris, which dominates New Zealand’s HTP market—and question whether it undermines broader tobacco control efforts. Government officials maintain that lifting the removable battery requirement for IQOS was a necessary compliance fix and that further data is essential to assess whether price reductions have prompted meaningful user transitions away from conventional cigarettes.

    Cabinet and Costello’s office emphasized the need for more robust market data before concluding the HTP pilot. The extended evaluation, now slated for 2027, will not only assess smoker uptake but also unintended demographic use—particularly young people—and any substitution away from vaping or cigarettes. Simultaneously, documents released from JUUL litigation revealed lobbying initiatives targeting NZ First, alleging PMI had pitched draft regulations to align with its interests. While party leaders deny wrongdoing, critics highlight the decision as symptomatic of “highly industry-friendly” policymaking.

  • Minnesota Mandates “Mental Health Warning” Labels on Social Platforms

    Minnesota Mandates “Mental Health Warning” Labels on Social Platforms

    Minnesota lawmakers have enacted what’s believed to be the nation’s first statutory requirement for social media platforms to display a conspicuous mental health warning at every login. Under HF 1289, effective July 1, 2026, platforms must show a pop-up label warning of risks such as anxiety, depression, addiction and cyberbullying, and must include crisis hotline information like the 988 Lifeline. The label stays onscreen until the user either acknowledges it or exits the app; it may not be bypassed or hidden within fine print. Health commissioners must issue implementation guidelines by March 1, 2026.

    Supporters argue the policy fills a regulatory gap in public health communications, drawing parallels to tobacco warning labels. Critics warn it may raise free-speech concerns and pose enforcement challenges, especially given the global footprint of leading social media platforms.

  • Indonesian Academic Calls for Annual 25% Minimum Tax Increase

    Indonesian Academic Calls for Annual 25% Minimum Tax Increase

    A leading academic voice from the University of Indonesia’s Center for Social Security Studies (PKJS UI) is calling for a 25% annual increase in Indonesia’s minimum tobacco tax, citing affordability and rising youth smoking rates as critical public health concerns. Speaking at a media workshop on tobacco control, PKJS UI Head Aryana Satrya argued that Indonesia’s cigarette prices — despite reaching Rp 49,900 ($3 USD) — remain among the lowest globally, enabling widespread access, especially among minors.

    Citing internal research, Satrya claimed that raising prices to Rp 60,000–70,000 could compel 60–70% of smokers to quit. The call for tax hikes is tied to a broader push for stricter allocation of tobacco tax revenue toward cessation services, public health education, enforcement of smoke-free areas, and anti-illicit trade initiatives. PKJS UI recommends mandating that at least 40% of shared tobacco tax revenues (DBH CHT) and 25% of regional cigarette taxes (PRD) directly fund tobacco control programs.

    Meanwhile, government officials reaffirmed that Rp 6.39 trillion in DBH CHT will be distributed across 27 provinces in 2025, with health receiving 40% of that allocation. However, pressure is mounting to direct a larger and more consistent share toward demand-reduction strategies.

    Data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey shows that the country now has 63.1 million active smokers, including a troubling 7.4% of youth aged 10–18. Even more alarming is the emergence of smoking behavior among children aged as young as 4, with 2.6% of child smokers falling into the 4–9 age group.