EU Weighs Major Tobacco Tax Overhaul
A 15-country coalition, led by France and the Netherlands, is urging stronger EU-wide tobacco controls, including taxation on emerging nicotine products.
Gran Habano’s Rico Named to PCA Board
Rico has worked in the cigar industry for over 28 years and is the founder, along with his father, Guillermo Rico, of Gran Habano Cigars.
Croatia Adds Taxes to E-Liquids, Ups Them on Tobacco Products
Under the draft, the specific excise duty on cigarettes will rise from €53.10 to €56.10 per 1,000 cigarettes, and the minimum duty will increase to €124.20.
Belgium Losing €544M from Illegal and Foreign Cigarettes
Nearly 2.4 billion cigarettes consumed in Belgium last year came from non-domestic sources, a 17% increase compared to the previous year.
Kyrgyz Health Minister Proposes Raising Tobacco Taxes
The discussion focused on strategies to reduce tobacco affordability and consumption through effective taxation measures.
PM Korea Introduces New “Cigarette-Type” E-Cig
The new product is an entry model for the Illuma i series following the ‘Iqos Illuma i Prime’ and ‘Iluma i’.
Keller & Heckman Offers EPR for Packaging Webinar
This webinar intends to catalog the EPR schemes now in place and discuss practical steps that tobacco and nicotine companies can take to comply.
EU Sees Highest Rate of Illicit Cigarettes Since 2015
The illicit tobacco trade threatens the European economy, public health, security, and social stability.
Dutch Foundation Threatens SnapChat Over Vape Marketing
Despite a national ban on flavored vapes implemented over a year ago, such products continue to circulate online, including on SnapChat.
Report: Black Marketeers Continue to Evolve with Technology
The illegal networks’ flexible strategies have helped illicit consumption increase 10.8% in the EU, with criminal groups using drones and social media.
Industry-First ‘Assured Advice’ on Nicotine Pouch Packaging Published
“This document will become the de facto standard for packaging compliance across the UK.”
Pakistan Increases Tobacco Tax 240%
The government is imposing a 6% withholding tax on cigarette distributors, an increase from the previous 2.5% rate.
Raíces Cubanas Expands into Germany
As part of the expansion, two core product lines will be introduced: Raíces Clasico (Robusto, Toro, Figurado) and Raíces C5 Black (Robusto, Toro, Gordo).
CAA Seeks New Definition of “Premium Cigar”
CAA’s proposed five-point standard omits language prohibiting characterizing flavors and allows for machine-assisted production.
Cigar Associations Team to Commission Study on Tax Cap Policies
The PCA and CAA announced they are collaborating on a national study of cigar tax cap policies enacted and planned throughout the nation.
CEA Industries Acquires Fat Panda to Enter Canadian Vape Market
The deal provides CEA with a foothold in the regulated nicotine market, with Fat Panda generating $28.1 million in revenue and holding 50% market share.
General Files Latest Appeal in Ongoing Cohiba Case
The appeal is listed as a restricted entry in the U.S. Court of Appeals electronic filing system. No product changes for either company are expected anytime soon.
Riot Labs Introduces Five Limited-Edition Flavors
The new flavors–Black Grape Glacier, Pink Razz Citrus, Blueberry Acai Cooler, Apple Lime Chill, and Strawberry Melon Cooler–also contain a hint of mint.
BAT Launching Search for Next Chairman
Sky News said the search for Luc Jobin’s successor is not expected to conclude until later this year or early 2026, according to insiders.
Delaware Looks to Jack Taxes on Nicotine Products Across the Board
The bill would raise the tax on a pack of cigarettes by $1.50, other tobacco products to 45%, increase snuff to $1.23 per ounce, expand the vapor product tax …
Australia’s Anti-Smoking Push Fuels Crime, Fails to Curb Smoking
CAPHRA argues this crisis exposes a fatal flaw in Australia’s approach: prohibition drives consumers to criminal networks rather than reducing harm.
BAT Launches New Heated Device in Japan
“glo Hilo is a breakthrough system that will reshape the way glo is positioned in the HP category, allowing it to compete effectively in the premium segment.”
Kenya: Illicit Cigarettes Jump to 37% of the Market
BAT Kenya is calling for urgent action by the authorities to tackle and mitigate the profound implications of illicit trade and protect legitimate business.
Zimbabwe’s Stalk Destruction Reprieve Expires
All growers were required to adhere to the dates to prevent the carryover of pests and diseases, however, extensions can be applied for.
Op-Ed: SHORT-SIGHTED AND INEFFECTIVE – VAPE BANS ARE NOT THE ANSWER
Banning vape will not stop criminals. It will only penalize legitimate, regulated businesses, whilst empowering the black market.