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  • Taiwan: Health Official Defends HTP Approval

    Taiwan: Health Official Defends HTP Approval

    The head of Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration (HPA) is standing by the agency’s recent conditional approval of 14 heated tobacco products, despite protests from anti-smoking groups. In an interview published a day after his retirement, former HPA director-general Wu Chao-chun stated that while the HPA’s official stance is “no smoking is best,” the agency must also acknowledge the reality of tobacco use.

    The decision to approve the products was not made lightly. According to Wu, the issue was reviewed by two committees, involved 60 meetings, and included input from experts in medicine, toxicology, and public health. This process, he said, was a first for Taiwan and the U.S., making them the only countries to mandate an official evaluation before allowing such products to be sold.

    Anti-smoking groups, however, have voiced strong opposition. The Taiwan Alliance on Banning Cigarettes protested the decision, arguing that heated tobacco products are still a form of tobacco. They also pointed out that the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act forbids products from being marketed as having “passed health risk assessments” or being “better than traditional cigarettes.”

    In addition to the tobacco controversy, Wu’s interview highlighted the HPA’s broader public health initiatives. He noted that the agency aims to reduce cancer-related deaths by one-third by 2030. To achieve this, the HPA has expanded screening eligibility for five types of cancer: breast, cervical, colorectal, oral, and lung cancer.

    Starting next year, the HPA will also launch government-funded screening for stomach cancer, a disease where early treatment is 90% effective. This initiative is particularly important given that 70-80% of stomach cancer patients are found to have Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to the disease. The HPA plans to expand the screening program to 17 cities and counties this year, with the goal of establishing a national standard procedure.

    Wu emphasized that early screening is the most effective way to reduce cancer deaths. He encouraged people to get screened and seek treatment if necessary, which can also help them avoid large medical bills in the future.

    Wu, who served as director-general from 2021 until his retirement, also took time to thank his colleagues and former health ministers for their support, noting that with their help, the agency’s budget had grown from NT1.7billion ($57.2mn) to NT12 billion ($403mn).

  • Study Links Teen Vaping to a Resurgence in Smoking Risk

    Study Links Teen Vaping to a Resurgence in Smoking Risk

    A new study is raising alarms that the decades-long decline in youth smoking could be at risk due to the rise of e-cigarettes. The research, conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Michigan, Penn State University, and Purdue University, suggests that teen vaping may be acting as a “gateway” to traditional cigarette use.

    According to the study, teen smoking rates have been in a steep decline since the 1970s, a result of widespread anti-smoking campaigns and stricter regulations. However, the study’s data suggests that for a new generation of youth, those protective measures may be failing.

    The research finds that the probability of a non-vaping teen becoming a regular cigarette smoker is extremely low—less than a 1-in-50 chance. But for a teen who has tried vaping, that risk jumps to more than 1 in 10, and for consistent vapers, the odds rise to nearly 1 in 3.

    The authors of the study, including Jessica Mongilio of the University of Michigan, are using their findings to advocate for stronger regulations on e-cigarette marketing and sales. They believe that building a strong body of evidence is essential to pushing for policy changes that could protect young people from nicotine addiction and prevent a reversal of the hard-won gains against tobacco use.

  • Louisiana: Retailer Successfully Challenges Higher Excise Duty

    Louisiana: Retailer Successfully Challenges Higher Excise Duty

    In Louisiana, a tobacco retailer successfully challenged plans to impose higher excise duties on the sale of cigar wrappers. The state had proposed raising the tax rate applied to wrappers to close a perceived loophole, classifying them alongside tobacco products rather than accessories. The seller argued that wrappers should remain exempt based on standard accessory definitions, and prevailing case law supported their position. Louisiana’s Department of Revenue ultimately withdrew enforcement plans, leading to a reversal of the proposed rate hike.

  • Kenya Bans All Tobacco and Nicotine Imports

    Kenya Bans All Tobacco and Nicotine Imports

    Kenya’s government has instituted an immediate ban on the importation of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, citing alarming increases in youth addiction rates. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the ban before parliament on July 30, 2025, pointing to the need to stem cheap, widely available imported products that undermine local regulations and facilitate underage consumption.

    The ban applies to all tobacco categories, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and vaping products, representing an aggressive step compared to previous regulatory measures. The Secretary also said that the government is in the process of designing more sophisticated graphic health warnings.

  • Malaysia to Extend “Pro‑Health” Tax to Tobacco, Vape

    Malaysia to Extend “Pro‑Health” Tax to Tobacco, Vape

    Malaysia’s 13th Malaysia Plan introduces an expanded “pro‑health” tax framework, initially targeting sugary beverages and now proposed to encompass tobacco, vaping, and alcohol products. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim endorsed the expansion on July 31, 2025, signaling a broader fiscal strategy to fund public health initiatives through targeted sin taxes.

    Consumer advocates have dubbed this initiative a potential “cancer tax,” calling for clear labeling of the tax’s health-driven intent. Critics argue that while the tax may raise additional revenue, policymakers must ensure it does not disproportionately burden low-income segments without accompanying cessation support and health education programs.

  • BAT Posts Strong 1H Results

    BAT Posts Strong 1H Results

    BAT surpassed analysts’ expectations in the first half of 2025, reporting adjusted diluted earnings of 162 pence per share (vs. 159.4p in 2024 and consensus estimate of 154.8p). U.S. revenues, which represent roughly 44% of the group’s total, posted 3.7% constant-currency growth, the first uptick in three years. Driven by strong sales in its new-category offerings like Velo pouches, these smokeless products delivered a 3.9% rise and now account for over 18% of group revenue.

    BAT reaffirmed full-year 2025 guidance, expecting top-line growth at the upper end of its 1–2% range, and adjusted operating profit growth of 1.5–2.5% (excluding Canada). The company faces headwinds from a 4% FX translation penalty and a roughly 2% decline in global tobacco industry volume. However, management remains confident about achieving mid-single-digit growth in its new categories moving forward.

    To support shareholder value, the board has initiated a new share buyback program valued at £1.1 billion, expanding its previous plan by £200 million. Leaders also highlighted a partnership with Accenture aimed at operational efficiencies, including delivering £500 million in annual savings by 2028.

  • FDA Schedules IQOS TPSAC Review

    FDA Schedules IQOS TPSAC Review

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has slated a meeting of its Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) for October 7, 2025, to evaluate the renewal applications for Philip Morris Products S.A.’s modified-risk status on several IQOS products. The review will cover five products: Marlboro Amber HeatSticks, Marlboro Green Menthol HeatSticks, Marlboro Blue Menthol HeatSticks, the IQOS 2.4 system holder and charger, and the IQOS 3.0 system holder and charger. These products were originally authorized under modified-risk orders in 2020 and 2022, using claims of reduced exposure to harmful chemicals, not reduced risk of disease. The upcoming meeting will assess whether the scientific standards continue to be met under the provisions of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

    The original approvals allowed claims that switching completely from cigarettes to IQOS significantly reduces exposure to harmful and potentially harmful chemicals without asserting reduced risk of disease or safety. The FDA required postmarket surveillance, annual reporting, and a limited lifecycle for each MRTP order. Renewal applications have now been submitted to ensure compliance continues beyond the original expiry periods.

    The TPSAC review will take place at FDA’s White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, MD, and is open to the public both in-person and via webcast. Stakeholders, from industry participants to public health advocates, may provide oral testimony between 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET, with written comments accepted through September 25, 2025. Requests to speak must be submitted by September 11, 2025, along with a summary of the intended presentation. The federal register notice confirms that meeting materials will be posted ahead of time and background documents may appear online up to two business days before.

    TPSAC’s recommendations to FDA will focus on whether the products continue to meet statutory criteria: significant reduction in exposure, potential impact on tobacco initiation and cessation, youth uptake, and overall population health considerations. While TPSAC’s opinion is non-binding, its analysis is a key input for FDA’s final determination. New data from postmarket studies and annual reports, which were updated and posted online as of July 29, 2025, will inform the scientific discourse.

  • Pakistan: Punjab Government Bans Smoking in Public Parks

    Pakistan: Punjab Government Bans Smoking in Public Parks

    The Punjab government has banned smoking in all public parks. The use, sale, and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products are banned under the federal anti-tobacco law.

    Under the law, all Parks and Horticulture Authorities (PHAs) in Punjab have to install “no smoking” signs within 10 days and begin strict enforcement.  Park staff may “eject violators,” according to the Express Tribune, and designated enforcement officers may pursue legal action.

    Offenders may face fines of up to PKR1,000 ($3.52) for a first violation. Repeat offenses face harsher penalties.

    Kiosks, food outlets, and vending stalls within parks are banned from selling cigarettes, vapes, or other tobacco-related products.

  • Altria Reports Second-Quarter and First-Half Results

    Altria Reports Second-Quarter and First-Half Results

    Altria Group reported its 2025 second-quarter and first-half business results and narrowed its guidance for 2025 full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS).

    “In the second quarter, we continued the pursuit of our vision while maintaining our strong and profitable core businesses,” said Billy Gifford, Altria’s CEO. “In oral tobacco, on! delivered strong performance and was the substantial driver of the segment’s growth in the quarter. And we returned significant value to our loyal shareholders during the first half of the year, with more than $4 billion delivered through dividends and share repurchases.

    “We are raising the lower-end of our 2025 full-year guidance and now expect to deliver adjusted diluted EPS in a range of $5.35 to $5.45. This range represents a growth rate of 3.0% to 5.0% from a base of $5.19 in 2024.”

    For the second quarter, net revenues decreased 1.7% to $6.1 billion, primarily driven by lower net revenues in the smokeable products segment, partially offset by higher net revenues in the oral tobacco products segment. Revenues net of excise taxes increased 0.2% to $5.3 billion.

    Reported diluted EPS decreased 36.2% to $1.41, primarily driven by the 2024 gain on the sale of the IQOS Tobacco Heating System commercialization rights, partially offset by higher reported operating companies income (OCI), which includes the 2024 non-cash impairment of the Skoal trademark, a 2024 change in the fair value of contingent payments associated with the acquisition of NJOY and fewer shares outstanding.

    Adjusted diluted EPS increased 8.3% to $1.44, primarily driven by higher adjusted OCI and fewer shares outstanding.

    For the first half of the year, net revenues decreased 3.6% to $11.4 billion, primarily driven by lower net revenues in the smokeable products segment. Revenues net of excise taxes decreased 1.9% to $9.8 billion.

    Reported diluted EPS decreased 40.2% to $2.04, primarily driven by the 2024 gain on the sale of the IQOS Tobacco Heating System commercialization rights, lower reported OCI (which includes the first quarter 2025 non-cash impairment of the e-vapor reporting unit goodwill and 2025 costs associated with the acquisition of NJOY, partially offset by the 2024 non-cash impairment of the Skoal trademark), unfavorable ABI-related special items and 2024 income tax items. These factors were partially offset by fewer shares outstanding, lower change in the fair value of contingent payments associated with the acquisition of NJOY and a lower adjusted tax rate.

    Adjusted diluted EPS increased 7.2% to $2.67, primarily driven by higher adjusted OCI, fewer shares outstanding and a lower adjusted tax rate, partially offset by lower income from our equity investment in ABI and higher financing costs.

  • Many Belgium Shops Violate Tobacco Display Ban

    Many Belgium Shops Violate Tobacco Display Ban

    In April, a new tobacco law went into effect in Belgium, banning food stores larger than 400 square meters from selling tobacco products and prohibiting smaller stores from storing products within customers’ sight.

    Out of the 623 shops that were inspected for display ban compliance, 161 were in violation. Specialized stores like vape shops and cigar stores showed a 39% noncompliance rate.

    Those in violation could face imprisonment ranging from a month to a year and fines ranging from €2,000 ($2,293.83) to €800,000.

    “The shopkeepers who were not compliant have not yet been find,” said Annelies Wynant, Federal Public Health Service spokesperson. “But this is changing. Shops inspected that have made no effort to comply with the display ban will now immediately receive a report and face fines. Large food shops over 400 square meters that continue selling tobacco will also receive an immediate report.