RFK Jr.’s Spokesperson Resigns Over Flavored Vape Shift
He said the authorization conflicted with recent department guidance on youth risks from flavored nicotine and criticized senior officials for supporting it.
Three Former WHO Directors Push for Harm Reduction
They argued that progress in reducing smoking has slowed in many high-burden countries and that current policy debates increasingly conflate nicotine use with the harms of smoking.
WHO’s Report on Nicotine Pouches Draws Industry Response
“The WHO should be leading a science-based strategy to end smoking. Instead, it remains ideologically opposed to the very products helping make that goal achievable.”
Zimbabwe Tobacco Eyes Record Output, Concerned About China
Growers report increasing concerns over debt exposure, fees, and pricing, particularly within systems dominated by Chinese contractors.
Pakistan’s Effective Enforcement Welcomed by PMI
PMI said sustained enforcement is critical for revenue collection and market compliance, noting illicit trade is estimated to cost Pakistan $1.1 billion annually.
Caloocan City Adopts Anti-Illicit Tobacco Ordinance
The measure targets cigarettes lacking revenue stamps, graphic health warnings, or those sold below government-mandated pricing.
Swiss Groups Launch Passive Smoke Awareness Platform
The initiative follows new data indicating that 45% of 18–24-year-olds report using e-cigarettes, snus, nicotine pouches, or other products.
VB Distribution Appoints New CEO
Natalia Gosciniak takes over as CEO, while founder Adam Matliwala will become chairman, focusing on strategic oversight.
Drew Estate Formalizes Innovation Department, Hires New Marketing VP
Company president Jonathan Drew Sann will take the company’s newly created CIO position, and hired Andrew Duncan as senior vice president of marketing.
CBP Seizes $175M in Illicit Vapes from Maritime Cargo
The ongoing operation focuses primarily on shipments originating from China and is aimed at disrupting the illicit import and distribution of vape products.
Mancuso Takes Reins of Altria After Annual Meeting
Sal Mancuso formally succeeded Billy Gifford as CEO, marking a planned leadership transition announced at the end of 2025.
Hong Kong Customs Busts $1.5M Illicit Cigarette Ring
The case stems from a January raid on a remote warehouse in Ngau Tam Mei, where investigators discovered the cigarettes—valued at $1.3 million.
FDA Makes ENDS PMTA Roundtable Materials Available
FDA said the purpose of the roundtable was to solicit feedback on how to improve the efficiency and clarity of PMTA reviews.
Dutch Authorities Seizing Large Quantities of Illicit Products
The total value of the items would roughly be in the €14–20 million range.
PCA Survey Finds Stable Sales, Rising Regulatory, Cost Concerns
The survey also underscores gaps in industry advocacy engagement, with both groups noting limited resources and unclear pathways for participation.
Survey: New Zealanders Think Nicotine is the Problem
A survey of more than 1,200 adults conducted on behalf of Health Coalition Aotearoa finds strong public support in New Zealand for tighter nicotine regulation,
MALAYSIA VAPE INDUSTRY WARNS OF $150 MILLION ANNUAL TAX REVENUE LOSS IF 15ML PRODUCTS ARE HASTILY BANNED
Malaysia’s local vape industry has warned that any abrupt move to ban 15ml vape products under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act
CTP Director Touts Progress, Future in Statement
He said new efficiencies are allowing applications to move into review almost immediately and helping bring compliant products to market more quickly.
Maryland Adds Two Tobacco-Related Laws
One measure introduces local licensing requirements, with partial fee sharing with the state, while the other introduces new measures around e-cigarettes.
Cannabis and Tobacco Co-Use Increases Psychosis in High-Risks: Study
Researchers suggested that tobacco may enhance THC absorption, potentially amplifying neurological impact.
Crowned Heads Entering U.K. Market
The Nashville-based cigar company has not yet begun shipments or confirmed a retail launch timeline, but the partnership marks a strategic expansion into a key international market.
GTNF 2026 Being Held Sept. 9–11 in Portugal
The conference will introduce a revamped program structure built around core thematic modules designed to explore key issues in greater depth and sequence.
Al Fakher’s Nicotine Pouch Line Now Available
It said the move positions the company to tap into a global category growing at roughly 30% annually, while targeting those already connected to hookah culture.
Malaysia’s Illicit Cigarette Market at ‘Critical Stage’
Industry executives said the country’s illicit rate is among the highest in the region, and that widespread availability has normalized illegal purchasing.