Working in Russia’s Tula region, Federal Security Service (FSB) officers dismantled a large-scale operation in a warehouse containing counterfeit nicotine products worth over 500 million rubles ($6 million). Authorities said a 27-year-old resident organized the sale of unmarked electronic cigarettes, vapes, and liquids in violation of labeling laws. A criminal case has been opened against him for trafficking unmarked goods on a particularly large scale. The investigation continues to trace the supply network and distribution channels.
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FDA Establishes Closing Date for Public Comments on MRTP Renewal Applications for IQOS Products
Today (November 6, 2025), FDA established the closing date for the public comment period on the modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) renewal applications submitted by Philip Morris Products S.A. for several IQOS heated tobacco products. Public comments on these applications must be submitted to the appropriate docket by 11:59 p.m. ET on December 8, 2025, to ensure they are considered by FDA:
- FDA-2021-N-0408 (IQOS 3.0 System Holder and Charger)
- FDA-2017-D-3001 (IQOS 2.4 System Holder and Charger and Marlboro HeatSticks products)
The application materials, redacted in accordance with applicable laws, can be found on FDA’s website. Before making a final determination on an MRTP application, FDA takes into consideration all relevant information available to the agency, including public comments and recommendations from the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC).
FDA held a TPSAC meeting to discuss these renewal applications on October 7, 2025. The public was able to attend virtually and present comments to the committee. Materials from the meeting are available on FDA’s website.
For the latest updates on any MRTP applications under scientific review, sign up to receive email alertsExternal Link Disclaimer.
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Massachusetts Weighs Philip Morris Punitive Damages Appeal
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is reviewing Armand Fontaine v. Philip Morris USA Inc. (Docket No. SJC-13778), a case that in 2022 produced one of the largest tobacco verdicts in state history after a Middlesex County jury awarded $8 million in compensatory damages and $1 billion in punitive damages. The trial court later reduced the punitive award to $56 million.
Philip Morris appealed, saying the massive award showed the jury was “inflamed beyond reason,” that punitive damages should require a clear and convincing evidence standard or a separate (bifurcated) trial phase, and that guardrails should be enacted to prevent “nuclear verdicts” (awards of more than $10 million).
Law360’s Chris Villani wrote that the “court appeared unreceptive to arguments” for imposing new procedural rules, noting existing safeguards such as judicial review and remittitur already limit excessive awards. A decision is expected to clarify how Massachusetts courts handle punitive damages going forward.
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Universal Announces New Board Member
Universal Corporation appointed Gregory A. Trojan to its board of directors, effective immediately. Trojan brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the restaurant, retail, and consumer products sectors. He previously served as CEO of BJ’s Restaurants from 2013 to 2021 and was a board member until September 2025. His past roles include CEO of Guitar Center and House of Blues Entertainment, along with senior positions at PepsiCo. He currently serves on the boards of Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and CEC Brands, LLC (parent of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza).
Universal chairman, president, and CEO Preston D. Wigner said Trojan’s strategic and operational expertise will support the company’s growth priorities across its tobacco and ingredients platforms.
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Most Shops Comply with Abu Dhabi Tobacco and Vape Regulations
Abu Dhabi authorities report strong compliance among local businesses following inspections of commercial establishments in 2025. Of 1,661 field visits and 21 targeted inspection campaigns, only two shops were shut down and 61 warnings issued for minor violations related to tobacco and e-cigarette sales. The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA) focused on stores near schools to protect community health and ensure legal adherence. Violations included displaying tobacco at checkout, home delivery, and sales to minors.
ADRA Director-General Mohammed Muneef Al Mansoori emphasized that the low number of infractions reflects widespread compliance and the success of awareness campaigns.
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UK Public Strongly Backs Regulation of Nicotine Pouches, Survey Finds
A new survey from Northerner UK found that the British public overwhelmingly supports stricter regulation of nicotine pouches and stronger safeguards for young people overall, as the government prepares to advance the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. According to the survey, 84% of respondents want the government to introduce new rules governing nicotine pouches, aligning their regulation with that of cigarettes and vapes. A further 82% support a licensing scheme for vape sales, while 81% back age restrictions on social media, and 75% approve of mandatory ID checks for online pornography.
Markus Lindblad, head of external affairs at Northerner, said the results show strong alignment between the public, government, and responsible retailers.
“At the moment, a legal loophole means that there is no minimum age limit on the purchase of nicotine pouches, and this has been exploited by unscrupulous retailers,” Lindblad said. “This survey shows that the public wants action, and there is strong support for the government’s move to close this loophole through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.”
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Haypp Reports Q3 2025 Results Amid U.S. Expansion Investments
Haypp reported Q3 2025 net sales of SEK 952.1 million ($95.2 million), an 0.8% increase, driven by strong performance in nicotine pouches, which accounted for 68% of total oral nicotine volume with like-for-like (LFL) volume growth of 21% (LFL excludes the impact of the ZYN shortage, U.S. state closures, and tobacco sales discontinuations.) Gross margin rose to 18.8%, while adjusted EBITDA reached SEK 53.0 million ($5.3 million) and adjusted EBIT was SEK 33.4 million ($3.3 million). Operating profit fell to SEK 6.2 million ($620,000) and net profit to SEK 4.5 million, reflecting a SEK 17.2 million ($1.7 million) litigation settlement.
Key developments included the return of ZYN to the U.S. market, early indicators of strong sales, and continued growth in Swedish and German vaping and heated tobacco products, which now make up over 70% of Haypp’s Emerging segment. UK nicotine vaping and HnB sales will be discontinued in Q4 2025 pending regulatory clarity.
“[The] U.S. return of Zyn, U.S. market developments and gross margin expansion strengthen our foundation for growth,” said Gavin O’Dowd, Haypp president and CEO. “The benefits of Zyn’s return will be realized in Q4 2025 with promising early indicators.”
Haypp also completed most of its global e-commerce platform migration, improving infrastructure for agile growth. CEO Gavin O’Dowd emphasized that U.S. market developments, innovative product availability, and gross margin expansion are strengthening the company’s foundation for future growth.
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Turning Point Reports Strong Q3 2025
Turning Point Brands, Inc. posted third-quarter 2025 net sales of $119.0 million, up 31.2% year-over-year, driven by Stoker’s segment growth of 80.8%. Gross profit rose 39.7% to $70.4 million, while net income increased 70.3% to $21.1 million, the company said today (November 5).
The company highlighted Modern Oral sales of $36.7 million, up 628% from last year, with U.S. white pouch production lines expected to qualify in H1 2026. The Zig-Zag segment saw a 10.5% decline, mainly due to the Clipper business wind-down.
TPB ended Q3 with $201.2 million in cash, total liquidity of $267.8 million, and net debt of $98.8 million. The company raised $97.5 million through its ATM offering to accelerate Modern Oral growth.
For full-year 2025, TPB raised Adjusted EBITDA guidance to $115–120 million and Modern Oral sales forecast to $125–130 million.
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Vaping Overtakes Smoking in UK
For the first time, the number of adults in Britain who vape has surpassed those who smoke traditional cigarettes, according to new figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) yesterday (November 4). The ONS reported that 10% of adults (around 5.4 million people) in Great Britain used e-cigarettes daily or occasionally in 2024, overtaking the 9.1% (4.9 million) who still smoke. Cigarette smoking has now fallen to its lowest level since records began in 2011.
Public health specialist Professor John Ashton said “many people are vaping but haven’t stopped smoking.” He cautioned that the long-term effects of vaping remain unknown and that youth uptake is becoming a growing concern. While smoking rates among young adults (18–24) have plummeted from 25.7% in 2011 to 8.1% in 2024, vaping remains most common in the 16–24 age group at 13%.
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Thailand’s Fast-Tracked Vape Ban Sparks Concerns
Thailand’s Cabinet approved amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Act, targeting e-cigarettes, on October 28, four days after Queen Sirikit’s passing, raising concerns over rushed policymaking during the national mourning period. Anti-vaping groups proposed a total ban to the House of Senators, which accepted it with minimal scrutiny before forwarding it to the Cabinet, which then tasked the Ministry of Public Health with leading a sub-committee to develop solutions within one month.
“Rushing through a total ban during national mourning demonstrates either disorganization or deliberate predatory timing,” said Asa Saligupta, president of Ends Cigarette Smoking Thailand. “Entrusting the process to those with clear biases risks outcomes that sideline evidence.”
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) warned that the ban ignores evidence-based approaches, risks driving adults to unregulated products, and overlooks safer alternatives like refillable devices and heat-not-burn options. Vaping users in Thailand have grown from 78,000 in 2021 to over 400,000 in 2024.
CAPHRA urged policymakers to focus on regulated harm-reduction strategies, environmental considerations, and using taxes on legal vaping products to protect youth, rather than prioritizing strict FCTC compliance at the expense of adult public health.