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Category: Press Releases

  • VAPE BAN FAIL: 35% of disposable vape users buy on the black market

    PRESS RELEASE

    New report uncovers the real scale of the blackmarket

    Disposable vapes were officially banned in the UK in June 2025, and at the time, industry experts warned that this could lead to a rise in black market activity. There have been reports of  a rapidly growing black market for disposable vapes and Trading Standards have been regularly making seizures of the now illegal product. Today Haypp releases new data indicating the ban is not working and uncovering the real scale of the black market in disposable vape bans.

    According to new research, a huge 62.5% of vapers are still using disposable vapes. This figure is significantly higher for those aged 25-34, with 82% saying they are still using the banned devices. 

    More alarmingly, 35% of disposable vape users say they are still buying disposable vapes.

    While it’s not illegal to have possession of a disposable vape, it is illegal for disposable vapes to be sold. The challenge for the authorities is that with so many vapers reporting that they are still able to purchase the banned devices, it indicates a thriving black market and huge numbers of unscrupulous retailers.  

    The latest data shows where vapers go to purchase blackmarket disposable vapes: 

    1. Local corner shops – 55%

    2. Specialist vape shops – 37%

    3. Supermarkets – 34%

    4. Online retailers – 28%

    5. Market stalls – 18%

    6. Social media sellers – 14%

    7. Private via friends/ family – 12%

    8. Car boot sales – 10%

    This data shows that it’s not just market stalls or social media dealers that are selling disposable vapes, but corner shops and vape stores are the main sources of the problem. Unfortunately, this trend is set to continue, as 14% admitted that they plan to continue purchasing disposable vapes in the future. 

    Worryingly, 78.5% are using disposable vapes purchased before the ban, posing serious safety hazards. Disposable vapes typically have a shelf life of 12 to 24 months, but poor storage conditions can shorten that dramatically. The sealed lithium-ion batteries inside disposable vapes can become unstable when exposed to heat, moisture, or physical damage, especially if stored in large quantities. Anyone still stockpiling vapes should seriously consider disposing of these products. 

    Another potential impact of the ban was that some vapers would return to smoking, and around 6% of vape users admitted they have started smoking cigarettes again.

    Markus Lindblad, Head of External Affairs at Haypp, said: “The data from our latest report clearly demonstrates that the disposable vape ban is not yet working as expected. A staggering 62.5% of vapers continue to use these illegal devices. The widespread availability of these illegal devices points to a very active black market that will be very difficult to police. In addition, we see that people have obviously stockpiled large quantities of disposable vapes, which presents its own safety issues. In this context, the government’s plan to introduce a retail licensing scheme for tobacco and nicotine products is a welcome and necessary move .”

  • Misconceptions around vapes and other next generation products (NGP)

    PRESS RELEASE

    Action on Smoking and Health (ASH: https://ash.org.uk/) recently released its annual reports analysing how behaviours and attitudes toward vaping have evolved among young people and adults in Great Britain.

    Now in its 13th year, the 2025 survey reveals several compelling insights, including that 63% of youth and 53% of adult smokers incorrectly believe vaping is as harmful as – or more harmful than – smoking, both the highest levels recorded to date. The report outlined this is possibly due to media coverage of youth vaping that hasn’t clearly explained the differences in harm between smoking and vaping.

    At Imperial Brands we’re keen to ensure consumers have the right information when it comes to understanding the tobacco harm reduction (THR) potential of next generation products (NGP) compared to cigarettes.

    We want to challenge NGP misconceptions by increasing responsible education and communication, with the hope that this continues to highlight the positive impact they can potentially have on public health.

    This series of bite-sized videos dive into some of the most common myths around cigarette smoking, nicotine, and NGP – and aim to set the record straight.

    We hope you enjoy watching them.

    List of videos:

    1. Myths & Misconceptions: Vaping Gives You Popcorn Lung: https://youtu.be/mHD8NoDByT8
    2. Myths & Misconceptions: There’s hardly any research about vapes and other NGP: https://youtu.be/4ujSHBzsgzM
    3. Myths & Misconceptions: Vapes and other NGP are unregulated: https://youtu.be/ASg7ll9bqPU
    4. Myths & Misconceptions: Vapes are just as bad for your health as cigarettes: https://youtu.be/iWLcgFZB7hI
    5. Myths & Misconceptions: There is a youth vaping epidemic: https://youtu.be/sKEB6wGpNa4
    6. Myths & Misconceptions: There’s no indication of the long-term effects of vapes: https://youtu.be/MRKkwVe1T8w
    7. Myths & Misconceptions: No-one understands what’s in a vape e-liquid or a heated tobacco stick: https://youtu.be/FeNSmsmr1R4
    8. Myths & Misconceptions: Passive vaping is the same as passive smoking: https://youtu.be/NiyhFUVkcqY
    9. Myths & Misconceptions: Nicotine is Poisonous: https://youtu.be/B4yrUxgr9l0
    10.  Myths & Misconceptions: Nicotine Causes Cancer: https://youtu.be/9Jj6kS7_X9E
  • CUTTING THROUGH THE SMOKE

    CUTTING THROUGH THE SMOKE

    Why science matters more than ever

    PRESS RELEASE

    Tobacco use remains one of Asia’s most pressing public health crises. The region is home to more than half of the world’s one billion smokers and accounts for four million tobacco-related deaths every year. Beyond the staggering human cost, the economic burden of smoking runs into trillions of dollars, straining already fragile healthcare systems.

    While governments have tried traditional tobacco control measures, such as warning labels, taxation, and quit smoking public campaigns, their impact has been limited. The prevalence of smoking continues to climb, especially in South and Southeast Asia. What is urgently needed is not more of the same, but a pragmatic and medically grounded approach: harm reduction.

    Why Medicine Matters

    Speaking at the 2025 Asia Forum on Nicotine, Prof. Dr. Rohan Sequeira, Consultant Cardio Endocrinologist, emphasised the central role of medical science in shaping harm reduction policy:

    “Most of the policies for tobacco harm reduction have been based on good medical science behind it. The UK did that with their public health initiative where they showed that vaping is 95% safer. Sweden has data which has shown that the incidence of oral cancer in that country has come down a lot. They are one of the best examples in the world where harm reduction can show to reduce or decelerate the medical issues associated with usage of tobacco.”

    He underscored that while nicotine is addictive, it is not the main cause of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or other chronic conditions.

    He explained, multiple researchers have shown that nicotine is not the main reason for causing harm. It’s the combustion of tobacco or the use of unprocessed tobacco which causes 7,000 toxic chemicals which cause the multiple issues associated with health-related issues with tobacco usage.”

    A Wake-Up Call: Millions of Lives at Stake

    Prof. Dr. Sequeira presented projections that illustrate the scale of lives that could be saved if Asian countries were to adopt THR policies.

    “If a country like China would adopt a THR policy, the number of lives saved in 5 years would be 1.5 million. In 10 years that would go up to 5 million. In 20 years that would go up to 15 million. And in 30 years it has the potential to reduce the deaths of 30 million people in a single country.”

    He described these projections as a powerful warning, “Now this should be a wake-up call to policy makers. It should be a wake-up call to governments and more than anyone it should be a wake-up call to THR advocates that we are not in the wrong. We are fighting the good fight. We’re looking at harm reduction and we’re looking for people to have a better quality of life.”

    The Path Forward

    For Asia, the epicentre of tobacco harm, the stakes could not be higher. The evidence is clear: combustion causes the harm, and medically guided harm reduction strategies can save lives at scale.

    As Prof. Dr. Sequeira concluded, the medical community has a duty to step forward:

    “Harm reduction can save lives and I think we should really step up our push to looking at governments looking at it from a medical point of view.”

    If medicine leads, and policymakers act on the evidence, Asia has the opportunity to save tens of millions of lives over the next generation.

  • George Munoz Retires from Altria Board

    George Munoz Retires from Altria Board

    George Muñoz, a director of Altria since 2004, notified Altria of his decision to retire from service on the company’s Board of Directors following the completion of his current term. Consequently, Muñoz will not stand for re-election to the board at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which Altria anticipates holding on May 14, 2026.

    “George has made extensive and significant contributions to Altria over more than 20 years,” said Kathryn McQuade, Altria’s independent Chair of the Board. “We thank George for his long-standing and valuable service and wish him the very best upon his retirement.”

    Muñoz is Chair of the Compensation and Talent Development Committee and is a member of the Audit, Executive and Finance Committees. He previously served as the Chair of the Audit Committee.

    Muñoz is a principal of Muñoz Investment Banking Group and a partner at the law firm of Tobin & Muñoz. Muñoz is also a director of Laureate Education.

  • Philip Morris Urges FDA TPSAC to Recommend Continued Modified-Risk Marketing of IQOS

    Philip Morris Urges FDA TPSAC to Recommend Continued Modified-Risk Marketing of IQOS

    Experts from Philip Morris International presented evidence to the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC), according to a PMI press release. The committee, comprised of independent scientific researchers, provides nonbinding recommendations to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP).

    The full-day meeting on October 7 was part of the FDA’s customary review of PMI’s request to continue marketing versions of its IQOS heated-tobacco products in the U.S. as modified-risk tobacco products (MRTPs), a necessary step while FDA completes its review of pending applications for IQOS ILUMA (a later version of the IQOS models that are currently authorized by the FDA) to reach and transition even more legal-age adults away from combustible cigarettes.

    “The evidence presented at this meeting, as also noted by the FDA, further supports the agency’s original conclusions that led the FDA to authorize the IQOS system as a modified-risk tobacco product,” said Stacey Kennedy, PMI U.S.’ CEO. “We encourage the FDA to continue efforts to establish a timely scientific review process for smoke-free products—including for IQOS ILUMA, which has been pending FDA review for nearly two years and has globally shown even higher rates of legal-age adults fully switching from combustible cigarettes—that are a better choice for legal-age adults who would otherwise use traditional tobacco products, including combustible cigarettes.”

    Initially granted by the FDA in 2020, the MRTP designation for the IQOS system authorizes PMI to communicate to legal-age consumers that: “AVAILABLE EVIDENCE TO DATE: The IQOS system heats tobacco but does not burn it. This significantly reduces the production of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals. Scientific studies have shown that switching completely from conventional cigarettes to the IQOS system significantly reduces your body’s exposure to harmful or potentially harmful chemicals.”

    During the meeting, representatives from PMI and committee members discussed a range of scientific, technical, and consumer-communications topics. The company provided an overview of its responsible marketing practices and presented additional evidence and research demonstrating high levels of complete switching among current legal-age smokers while maintaining low levels of use by unintended populations.

    Addressing committee members, Keagan Lenihan, VP and Chief External Affairs Officer for PMI U.S., said: “CTP’s mission is to make tobacco-related disease and death a part of America’s past. Smoke-free products, like PMI’s IQOS system, play a critical role in helping CTP achieve this mission and provide adults who smoke with a real opportunity to change. The IQOS system, when marketed with the reduced-exposure claim, promotes complete switching from combustible cigarettes.”

  • Nearly half of Gen Z think the UK is becoming a ‘Nanny State’

    PRESS RELEASE

    New survey uncovers the UK public’s response to expanding government regulation

    According to data released today, 41% of Brits and 47% of Gen Z Brits believe the UK is becoming a nanny state, highlighting what could be growing discomfort with ever-increasing government control over personal choices. 

    The research, commissioned by online nicotine pouch retailer Northerner, was undertaken to understand the public’s opinion on the trend of increasing government regulation of what had been considered people’s private lives. These include a ban on advertising junk food before 9 pm, proposals to ban vaping in public spaces, and the introduction of digital ID cards.

    Although concerns about a growing nanny state have traditionally been associated with older or more conservative voters, this research suggests that younger generations may also be showing signs of fatigue with increasing state control. The results showed that people aged 18-24 actually felt the most strongly about the issue, with 47% agreeing that the UK is becoming a nanny state. 

    By contrast, only 32% of those aged 45 to 54 felt the UK was becoming a nanny state, making them the least likely of any age group to share that view. This generational divide points to shifting attitudes among younger Brits, who appear more resistant to government regulation than most might expect.

    While we might expect younger people to be in favour of more progressive policies, it’s clear that a large proportion in this demographic are becoming increasingly frustrated with overreaching policies. A poll by More in Common* found that 25% of 18 to 24-year-olds and 29% of 25 to 34-year-olds may vote for Reform, a party that has made it clear they want to scale back nanny state policies. 

    And, it’s a sentiment that reflects a broader trend, too. The UK currently ranks 7th out of 29 countries in the 2025 Nanny State Index**, which measures government intervention on lifestyle choices such as food, alcohol, smoking and vaping. The ranking means the UK is considered in the ‘least free’ category and has a much stronger tendency towards nanny state policies than many of its European neighbours in terms of lifestyle regulation. 

    Markus Lindblad, Head of Legal and External Affairs at Northerner, said: “When 41% of the public says they believe the UK is becoming a nanny state, policymakers would be wise to pay attention. It is a fine line between protecting and controlling the public, and it seems many people feel this line is being crossed. The reality is that the ‘positive’ effects of many nanny state policies have not materialised. For example, regulations like calorie labelling on menus or the disposable vape ban have not delivered the expected results. If the public does not see any real improvement to their lives from these additional regulations, then it is reasonable for them to question whether the UK is becoming a nanny state, especially when there are so many big challenges that need to be addressed.”

  • MRECA: Don’t Ban Products Already Approved by MOH, Enforce Act 852 Instead

    PRESS RELEASE

    Kuala Lumpur, 30 September 2025 — The Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) today questioned the proposed ban on vape products, pointing out that the Ministry of Health (MoH) has already established a strict approval process and such approvals have already been granted.

    MRECA President, Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas, emphasised that MoH imposes a product registration fee of RM5,000 for each stock-keeping unit (SKU). This means that companies with multiple product variations must spend thousands of Ringgit just to fulfil the basic regulatory requirements.

    “Why should there be a ban on vape products when those that have undergone MoH’s stringent approval process are already in the market? The industry has complied with all conditions put forth by MoH, including safety testing, ingredient disclosure, quality control and proper labelling, all of which have significantly increased costs for businesses. Imposing a ban now will only undermine years of effort and the financial commitment that has already been made,” he said.

    He added that a blanket ban would only punish legal businesses, even though they have invested millions of ringgits to meet government standards.

    Datuk Adzwan stressed that the real issue lies with the sale of illegal products that have not been approved by MoH, as well as the misuse of vape by drug syndicates which has tarnished the industry’s image.

    MRECA has urged enforcement authorities under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA), such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), to step up enforcement. “The government must act against irresponsible operators who disregard the law. It is unfair for the entire industry to suffer losses amounting to billions because of the actions of a few,” he added.

    “Enforcement agencies need to intensify inspections, raids and penalties against illegal sellers. A ban not only punishes compliant businesses but also risks fuelling smuggling activities and the black market,” he added.

    MRECA highlighted that its members collectively have invested millions of Ringgit to upgrade facilities, conduct laboratory tests and implement tracking systems to comply with government regulations. This large-scale investment, Datuk Adzwan noted, should not be disregarded.

    “If a ban is implemented now, this investment will vanish overnight, resulting in major financial losses, job cuts and the collapse of a regulated sector that has proven its readiness to comply with the law,” he stressed.

    Nevertheless, he reiterated MRECA’s readiness to work with the government and regulators to further enhance standards and enforcement. “The solution is not prohibition. The solution is cooperation, enforcement and fairness. We must not undermine a regulated industry that has demonstrated its willingness to comply with the law and contribute responsibly to the economy,” he concluded.

  • DARE: VAPE BANS WILL WORSEN ILLEGAL MARKET,  UNDERMINE ECONOMY

    PRESS RELEASE

    KUALA LUMPUR, 26 September 2025 – Datametrics Research and Information Sdn Bhd (DARE), a Malaysian-based policy think tank, has warned that proposals for state-level or nationwide vape bans will lead to a rise in the illicit market, erode investor confidence, and deprive the government of valuable tax revenue and result in job losses as well.

    DARE’s response follows the latest survey released by the Malaysian Vapers Alliance (MVA), which revealed strong consumer opposition to bans. The survey found that 74% of respondents fear bans would drive illegal sales, while 80% worry about unsafe, unregulated products, confirming the real economic risks of prohibitionist measures.

    Pankaj Kumar, Managing Director of DARE, said, “Prohibition has never worked as a policy tool, be it for alcohol, tobacco, and now on vape products. What it does is fuel the illicit market by providing a compliance loophole. This, in turn, is costing the government billions in lost revenue, shrinking legitimate businesses, and destroying jobs. The key lies in enforcement of the law and not banning products that are swamped with counterfeits”.

    DARE highlighted that Malaysia’s vape industry was once valued at RM3.48 billion and supported over 31,500 jobs, but regulatory changes have led to a drastic shrinkage of the vape market.  According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) data, registered brands have fallen from 3,200 to just 390 in less than a year since Act 852 (Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024) came into force.

    “This sharp contraction is not due to lack of demand. Malaysians continue to consume vape products. However, the differing federal and state laws have created a regulatory loophole allowing the existence and further expansion of the illicit nicotine market. Consumers are simply being pushed into the illegal market, where products are untaxed, unregulated, and unsafe. That is a direct economic loss to Malaysia,” Pankaj added.

    DARE noted that Act 852 already provides a national regulatory framework with strict safeguards for minors. The most economically rational path forward, it stressed, is consistent enforcement of Act 852 rather than bans that fuel the illegal market.

    “Every RM1 spent in the black market is RM1 lost to legitimate Malaysian businesses and the government. Bans will only magnify this leakage. What the economy needs is regulatory certainty and enforcement, not prohibition,” Pankaj concluded.

    About Datametrics Research and Information Sdn Bhd

    Datametrics Research and Information Sdn Bhd (DARE) is a Malaysian-based Think Tank or Policy Institute committed to performing research and advocacy for key sectors that are critical to the Malaysian economy.  

    Established in 2021, DARE endeavours to undertake research, analysis, and policy recommendations that are independent, bold, impactful, and actionable. The team comprises experts from diverse backgrounds, all with a common purpose of advocating the improvement of public policy for sustainable nation-building. For more information on DARE please visit www.daresearch.com.my

  • PM’s Pride in Place programme branded ‘seriously flawed’ by UK Vaping Industry Association

    The UK’s biggest vape trade body says plans to allow local residents to block new high street vape shops will drive former smokers back to cigarettes

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer is being urged to rethink his new ‘Pride in Place’ programme amid fears it will drive up smoking rates and fuel a black market in illegal vaping products.

    The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) says the plans to give local communities unprecedented powers to ‘block gambling and vape shops’ while saving derelict pubs sends the wrong message and will wreck the country’s smokefree ambitions.

    UKVIA Director General John Dunne said: “This announcement may make good headlines but we need prioritise sound policy over sound bites when it comes to protecting public health.

    “Vaping is the most effective method of helping adult smokers quit, poses only a tiny fraction of the health risks of smoking, yet nearly six-in-ten adults wrongly believe that it is as harmful or more harmful than smoking.”

    Dunne said that allowing local residents, who cannot be expected to understand the nuances of tobacco harm reduction the ability to effectively veto applications for vape shops is not the answer.

    He added: “Linking vape stores in the ‘unwanted shops’ category with the likes of betting shops and fake barbers, will harm communities by driving up smoking rates. Specialist vape stores provide a much-needed service to their communities by educating smokers on much safer ways of consuming tobacco.

    “We agree with the government that there are unsuitable establishments on the high street where vapes should not be sold, such as fast-food establishments, sweet shops, nail bars, taxi offices and hairdressers, and this is where the focus of any clampdown should be.

    “This is also why the UKVIA supports a compulsory vape retail licensing scheme to ensure that unsuitable businesses are not allowed so sell vapes and those who do so, operate to the highest possible standards.

    “Vape licensing could fund dedicated squads of Trading Standards officers to the tune of more than £50m-a-year with no additional cost to the Exchequer and, if backed by fines of £10,000 fines for those who sell to children or who sell illicit products, rogue retailers would have a huge incentive to remain within the law.

    “The real answer is to allow town planners to make planning decisions to make decisions based on facts not emotions, while ensuring that the public have confidence that their local vape retailers are providing a much-needed service to help adult smokers quit while those under 18 have the safeguards they need.”

    A UKVIA-commissioned report into the economic impact of vaping showed that the sector contributes significantly to the UK economy and was responsible for a Gross Value Added (GVA) of £401 million in 2021.

    Dunne added: “Creating unnecessary barriers to responsible vape retailing risks pushing people back to smoking or into the hands of the illicit market, which is what no one wants.

    “We want to work with government, local authorities and communities to restore pride to the high street by ensuring vape shops are run responsibly, transparently and in a way that supports the UK’s smoke-free ambitions.

    “But that means adopting a proportionate and evidence-based approach that targets those who flout the law rather than these seriously flawed measures that could damage public health progress by making vaping less accessible to those who need them most.”

  • Global nicotine pouch retailer Haypp calls on customers to boycott champagne

    Global nicotine pouch retailer Haypp calls on customers to boycott champagne

    On Friday, 5th September, the French Government announced a total ban on nicotine pouches, with the ban expected to come into force in March 2026. The strict new law will ban a whole range of oral nicotine products, including pouches, gums, and liquids. Only products classified as medicinal products or medical devices will be exempt. The French ban was opposed by a number of EU countries, including Sweden, Italy, and Greece, who see the prohibition as disproportionate and damaging for anti-smoking strategies.

    In rejection of the ban, Markus Lindblad, Head of Legal and External Affairs at Haypp, has called on their customers to boycott champagne.

    “We are encouraging our customers and nicotine users around the globe to boycott champagne and reconsider choosing France as a holiday destination next year. We want to do all we can to send a message to the French government that this ban is ill-conceived and will do more harm than good. 

    Of course, calling for a boycott of champagne is a little tongue-in-cheek, but there is a serious point here. France still has an exceptionally high smoking rate, around 23% compared to about 12% in the UK. Nicotine pouches are an effective alternative to cancer-causing cigarettes, so completely banning them removes the option for French smokers. Absurdly, this ban doesn’t include chewing tobacco, which is known to be cancer-causing. If the French government’s goal really is to improve public health, given the harms caused by alcohol, it would make much more sense for them to ban champagne rather than nicotine pouches. We want to see strong regulation of nicotine pouches, not total prohibition.”

    Here, Haypp answers key questions around the law change and what the ban means for nicotine users.

    What might be the impact of the new law?

    The ban criminalises possession as well as the sale of nicotine products. This means that just possession of nicotine pouches, even for personal use, could result in severe penalties, including fines and even imprisonment.

    How will the ban affect UK holidaymakers?

    For UK nicotine pouch users, the law will apply to anyone in France, meaning UK holidaymakers caught with nicotine pouches in France could face prosecution and thousands of euros in fines. Other countries across Europe, including Spain, have also been tightening regulations on smoking and vaping in public places, making it more difficult for holidaymakers to use nicotine products while abroad. 

    What will this look like for the nicotine pouch market?

    The major risk of a ban like this one is that it can fuel black markets. Criminalising possession won’t necessarily eliminate demand; a ban can run the risk of driving the market underground and across borders, leading to unregulated products which can have dangerous health risks.