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  • Duran Cigars Announces U.S. Return

    Duran Cigars Announces U.S. Return

    Today (November 12), Duran Cigars announced its return to the U.S. market, opening its new headquarters and distribution center in Little Havana, Miami, a location that is also a retail cigar shop and lounge. The new space “serves as the brand’s American home base, connecting its global operations to the heart of Miami’s cigar culture.”

    Founded in 2013, Roberto Duran Premium Cigars made its debut at the IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas, “introducing a portfolio that embodied the best of Cuban heritage and modern craftsmanship.” With a tobacco farm in Ecuador and a factory in Nicaragua, company founder, Roberto Pelayo Duran Sr., decided to focus the company’s efforts on the European and Asian markets. In its U.S. return, the company welcomes Duran’s son, Roberto Duran Jr., to the business, who will serve as a marketing and sales manager.

    “Concentrating on our farm and global markets allowed us to perfect our production and strengthen our foundation,” said Duran Sr. “Now, with my son joining the business, we have the right team and structure in place to reestablish our presence in the United States while continuing to grow internationally.”

  • More Serious Charges Remain in Arkansas THC Vape Suit

    More Serious Charges Remain in Arkansas THC Vape Suit

    An Arkansas federal judge dismissed parts of a proposed class action alleging a retailer, vape manufacturer, and others conspired to sell vaping products containing THC above legal limits. While warranty claims and the Drug Dealer Liability Act counts were thrown out, the court allowed fraud, negligence, racketeering (RICO), and fraudulent transfer claims to move forward.

    The case involves allegations that products labeled as under the 0.3% THC threshold actually exceeded that limit and that fraudulent lab certificates were used. Cigarette Store LLC, Savage Enterprises LLC, and ACS Laboratory LLC were among those named in Smith et al. v. Cigarette Store LLC et al.

  • Bill Introduced to Allow FDA to Destroy Illicit Chinese Tobacco Products

    Bill Introduced to Allow FDA to Destroy Illicit Chinese Tobacco Products

    Last week, Senator John Cornyn and Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, joined by Senator Martin Heinrich and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, introduced the “Ensuring the Necessary Destruction of Illicit Chinese Tobacco Act,” also referred to as the “END Illicit Chinese Tobacco Act” (END). The legislation would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority to seize and destroy adulterated, misbranded, or counterfeit tobacco products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, imported from China, specifically giving the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) authority to do so.

    “By giving the FDA destruction authority over these imports, this legislation would turn off the spigot of illicit e-cigarettes and vapes flowing from China and address the public health crisis sweeping across our nation,” Sen. Cornyn said.

    Lawmakers cited the public health risks posed by counterfeit products, which dominate illicit youth-used e-vapor brands. The END Act would extend the FDA’s existing destruction powers, currently applied to certain drugs and medical devices, to tobacco products.

    “We have seen too many illegal vapes slipping through the enforcement cracks, posing health and safety risks to Americans,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “The END Act will give federal agencies the tools that they need to destroy these counterfeit or misbranded goods before they reach our shelves.”

    The bill is supported by major health organizations—including the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, American Heart and Lung Associations—and industry groups like 7-Eleven and Altria.

    The bill has been introduced, but no date for markup or committee hearing has been publicly posted thus far.

  • Arturo Fuente Secures New Cameroon Wrapper Supply Through Universal

    Arturo Fuente Secures New Cameroon Wrapper Supply Through Universal

    Arturo Fuente confirmed a new partnership with Universal Leaf Tobacco Co. as its new Cameroon wrapper supplier following its split from longtime partner M. Meerapfel Söhn, according to Cigar Aficionado. Company leader Carlos Fuente Jr. spoke with the magazine recently at Big Smoke in Las Vegas, and assured consumers the brand will have ample Cameroon wrapper supply for years to come. He said the first shipment arrived at Fuente’s Dominican Republic factory.

    In a video released by the company, Fuente Jr. addressed recent rumors about shortages, emphasizing Fuente’s long-term reserves and commitment to quality.

    “There’s a big concern from rumors that have been spread about us not receiving Cameroon and us not having Cameroon available for your favorite cigars,” he said. “Early this week, we received an entire 40-foot container, [a] refrigerated container of African Cameroon wrapper. My friends, we have African Cameroon wrapper for years to come.”

  • Irish Tobacco Hike ‘Plucked Out of the Air,’ Court Told

    Irish Tobacco Hike ‘Plucked Out of the Air,’ Court Told

    The Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association (CSNA) has challenged new tobacco licensing fees in Ireland, claiming they are “plucked out of the air” and disproportionately impact smaller retailers. The 2024 regulations, introduced under the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 by former health minister Stephen Donnelly, raise fees from the old €50 one-off registration to €1,800 for combined tobacco and nicotine products, payable on every renewal. Retailers cannot pass the cost to consumers.

    CSNA argued the fees are arbitrary, lack evidential basis, and exceed the minister’s powers, while the government contends the fees are part of a long-standing policy to reduce tobacco availability. In court, CSNA sought to cross-examine Claire Gordon, Department of Health principal officer, over her affidavit explaining the policy, but Justice Rory Mulcahy rejected the request, noting the retailers can challenge her evidence but cannot investigate beyond it.

  • Weak Enforcement, Not High Taxes, Lead to Illicit Trade: Philippine Study

    Weak Enforcement, Not High Taxes, Lead to Illicit Trade: Philippine Study

    The Action for Economic Reforms (AER) and Philippine government officials oppose bills seeking to cut tobacco excise taxes, warning the move could increase smoking rates and reduce government revenues without addressing illicit trade. A joint study by AER and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health argues that high tobacco taxes do not drive illicit trade, but it is instead a product of weak enforcement and local governance.

    AER projects up to two million new smokers by 2035 and P167 billion ($2.8 billion) in lost revenue if taxes are lowered. Officials, including Senator Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel and BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, stressed that stronger enforcement, a nationwide licensing system, and an upgraded track-and-trace program are key to curbing illicit tobacco sales and protecting public health.

  • PM Korea’s IQOS ‘Seletti Edition’ Sells Out in First Week

    PM Korea’s IQOS ‘Seletti Edition’ Sells Out in First Week

    Philip Morris Korea announced that its limited edition IQOS ILUMA i × Seletti collection, launched in collaboration with Italian design brand Seletti, sold out nationwide within a week. Pre-sales began October 28 for IQOS Club Platinum and Gold members, with the official release on October 30 through IQOS.com and directly operated stores. The edition, featuring black and gold designs with Seletti’s signature patterns, quickly became a collector’s item, with the Prime model selling out on the first day of pre-sale.

    Philip Morris Korea highlighted that the strong response reflects consumer appreciation for the brand’s design sensibility and value, not just sales performance. The success follows earlier limited editions like Minera, Neon, and Steve Aoki, underscoring IQOS’ ongoing strategy of blending style with technology to enhance consumer experience.

  • Scandinavian Narrows 2025 Outlook After Steady Q3 Performance

    Scandinavian Narrows 2025 Outlook After Steady Q3 Performance

    For the first nine months of 2025, Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S (STG) reported net sales of DKK 6.7 billion ($1.1 billion), EBITDA margin of 19.9%, and free cash flow before acquisitions of DKK 448 million ($71.2 million), up from DKK 327 million ($52.3 million) a year earlier. STG reported third-quarter 2025 net sales of DKK 2.4 billion ($384 million), with organic growth flat year-on-year and EBITDA before special items at DKK 519 million ($83million), reflecting a 22% margin versus 23.4% last year.

    The company said results were broadly in line with expectations, though exchange rate pressures weighed on reported sales. Growth was recorded in Handmade Cigars and Next Generation Products, offset by declines in Machine-Rolled Cigars and Smoking Tobacco. CEO Niels Frederiksen noted that while market conditions remain challenging, the group saw stabilization in handmade cigars and growth in nicotine pouches. However, market share in machine-rolled cigars was affected by the rollout of STG’s new global SAP system.

    The company narrowed its full-year guidance to reflect better visibility heading into year-end and the effect of USD movements. STG plans to unveil its next five-year strategy on November 20, outlining growth priorities and stakeholder value initiatives.

  • Egypt’s Smoking Rate Drops 3.5% Since 2020

    Egypt’s Smoking Rate Drops 3.5% Since 2020

    Egypt’s smoking rate dropped to 14.2% in 2024, down from 17.7% in 2020, according to the Cabinet’s Media Centre, which credited the decline on tougher anti-smoking laws, public awareness campaigns, and expanded cessation services. The government strengthened enforcement of public smoking bans, prohibited sales to minors, and launched national quit-smoking hotlines and clinics.

    Despite progress, the government said it still wants to do more, as smoking still costs Egypt over $5 billion annually, with rising cigarette prices—now EGP 44–105 ($0.9–$2) per pack—reflecting ongoing tax hikes and inflation.

  • NSW to Punish Landlords Who Enable Illegal Tobacco Sales

    NSW to Punish Landlords Who Enable Illegal Tobacco Sales

    Australia’s Minns Labor Government introduced the Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Landlord Offences) Bill 2025, creating a new offence for commercial landlords who knowingly allow tenants to sell illicit tobacco or illegal vapes. “These penalties ensure we target landlords who knowingly permit illegal activity while protecting legitimate businesses and communities,” said health minister Ryan Park.

    Once enacted, landlords who are aware of illicit activities but fail to act or report them could face up to one year in prison, a $165,000 fine, or both.

    The move follows months of enforcement action, with New South Wales Health and Police seizing over 11.8 million cigarettes, 2,000kg of tobacco, and 170,000 illegal vapes valued at nearly A$19 million ($12.4 million) between January and October 2025. Courts have imposed $597,200 ($388,180) in fines across 17 prosecutions, with 27 more cases pending.

    The legislation complements recent reforms introducing multi-million-dollar fines and prison terms for possession and sale of illicit tobacco, closure orders for offending premises, and new powers for lease termination and license fraud offences.