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  • Dominican Cigar Production Tops 8 Billion Units

    Dominican Cigar Production Tops 8 Billion Units

    The Dominican Republic remains the world’s top exporter of cigars, producing over 8.4 billion cigars each year, according to Iván Hernández Guzmán, director of the Dominican Tobacco Institute (Intabaco). Of this total, more than 181 million are handcrafted, while over 8.2 billion are made using machinery.

    Speaking at the Dominican Cigar Expo 2025 in Santiago, Hernández Guzmán highlighted tobacco’s vital role in the national economy, saying the industry contributes 10% of the country’s exports and generates more than $1.34 billion annually—second only to gold. It is the largest employer in free trade zones, creating over 40,000 jobs in that sector and more than 110,000 jobs nationwide. There are 160 tobacco-processing companies across 15 provinces, yielding over 330,000 quintals of tobacco each year.  

    For its premium cigar exports, 88% go to the United States and 10% to the European Union.

  • Samsung Back on $10.9M Hook for Vape Battery Explosion

    Samsung Back on $10.9M Hook for Vape Battery Explosion

    Samsung Electronics America Inc. must pay $10.9 million to a Georgia man who said he was seriously injured when the company’s battery inside an e-cigarette device in his pants pocket exploded, the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled Monday (June 23).

    Jordan Brewer sued Samsung in July 2020, and a county judge held Samsung liable by default in September 2020 after the company failed to respond to Brewer’s complaint. In December 2020, Samsung asked the court to set aside the default judgment, but the court said, “Samsung’s action in pursuing its company protocol in response to similar lawsuits as ‘a failed legal strategy’ that was ‘willful and deliberate and done with indifference to the correct legal process or else was gross negligence.’”

    In 2022, however, Samsung filed a motion with a new judge, who set aside the judgment, citing unclear damages and a lack of a hearing transcript. Brewer appealed, arguing Samsung didn’t meet its burden to justify overturning the judgment.

    This week, the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that the trial court improperly shifted the burden of proof to Brewer and should not have set aside the judgment based on an incomplete record. The court vacated the order, setting aside the judgment and remanded for reconsideration under the correct legal standard. Since that judgment is now vacated, Samsung’s related appeal trying to open the default was ruled premature and dismissed.

  • CAPHRA Urges Philippines Leaders to Reform Policies 

    CAPHRA Urges Philippines Leaders to Reform Policies 

    The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) said it acknowledges Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to retain Dr. Teodoro Herbosa as Secretary of Health but called for urgent reforms to align the Department of Health’s (DOH) policies with global evidence on tobacco harm reduction. CAPHRA argued leadership must now prioritize science over ideology to address the Philippines’ stalled progress in reducing smoking-related deaths. 

    “While we respect the President’s decision, it is deeply concerning that the DOH continues to ignore the role of safer nicotine products in saving lives,” said Clarisse Yvette P. Virgino, CAPHRA’s Philippine Representative. “Secretary Herbosa’s reappointment must mark a turning point—a commitment to evidence-based strategies, not continued reliance on outdated prohibitionist policies.” 

    CAPHRA said that under Herbosa’s tenure, the Philippines has maintained regressive vaping regulations despite global precedents. It pointed to the UK’s National Health Service as an example, attributing its record-low 6% smoking rate to regulated vaping access, while Australia’s pharmacy-only model has fueled a thriving black market without reducing smoking rates. 

    “The DOH’s refusal to distinguish between deadly combustible tobacco and safer alternatives like vaping perpetuates needless deaths,” Virgino said. “Over 60% of Filipino smokers still wrongly believe nicotine causes cancer—a myth the DOH has done little to correct. 

    “The DOH’s current approach fails the ‘pub test.’ How can we claim progress when 16 million Filipinos still smoke and illicit trade thrives? Secretary Herbosa must choose: Will he defend outdated dogma, or embrace innovation that saves lives?” 

  • WCTC Gets Protestors Wanting Input

    WCTC Gets Protestors Wanting Input

    On the opening day of the World Conference on Tobacco Control (WCTC) in Dublin, the World Vapers’ Alliance staged a silent protest outside the venue, visually highlighting the exclusion of consumers from global tobacco and nicotine policy debates. Demonstrators with their mouths taped symbolized the ongoing marginalization of those most affected by regulatory decisions.

    The protest is part of the “Voices Unheard—Consumers Matter!” campaign, launched as delegates gathered inside to discuss the future of tobacco control without meaningful input from the consumers who are most impacted by these policies.

    Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, said outdated, ideologically driven policies, often influenced by powerful interests like Michael Bloomberg, threaten to reverse progress in reducing smoking rates. “Safer nicotine alternatives have the potential to save millions of lives, but only if they are supported by sensible, evidence-based regulation. We cannot afford to let ideology stand in the way of real progress,” he said.

    The campaign comes at a time when the World Health Organization is pushing for sweeping bans on flavored nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Such measures would remove vital tools from adults seeking to quit smoking and could drive many back to combustible tobacco.

  • 22nd Century Announces Major Pinnacle Brand Expansion

    22nd Century Announces Major Pinnacle Brand Expansion

    22nd Century Group, Inc. expanded its Pinnacle product agreement with a “top-5 convenience store chain,” launching four new SKUs—two of which are low-nicotine VLN cigarettes (Gold and Menthol). These products will be available in 1,700 stores across 27 states, with sales starting late summer to early fall 2025, pending state approvals.

    Additionally, two Pinnacle moist snuff flavors (straight and wintergreen) will roll out in the second half of 2025. 22nd Century will handle manufacturing, distribution, and tax compliance, with VLN products made using their proprietary low-nicotine tobacco. This deal also opens the door for future expansion to other retail and c-store chains.

    “We are very excited to launch our second partner VLN product and branded moist snuff products, leveraging the well-known Pinnacle brand sold at one of the largest convenience store chains in the U.S.,” said Larry Firestone, 22nd Century Group Chief Executive Officer. “Pinnacle’s conventional cigarette and cigarillo products have built a strong sales track record with consumers, owing to extensive marketing and awareness directed by the chain and a compelling value proposition for adult smokers. We believe Pinnacle-branded products in the VLN and moist snuff categories can see similar success with customers at this c-store chain’s more than 1,700 stores.”

  • PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i in Egypt

    PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i in Egypt

    Philip Morris Misr launched the IQOS ILUMA i in Egypt, the “latest and most advanced smoke-free device in its portfolio,” according to the company. The device features the Smartcore Induction System, which heats tobacco without combustion, delivering a cleaner, residue-free experience. It includes smart features like a touchscreen, pause mode, FlexPuff, and improved battery technology.

    “We leverage science, world-leading brands, and commercial capabilities to provide better alternatives to our consumers,” said Ali Nevzat Karaman, managing director of Philip Morris Egypt and Levant. “Following the introduction of IQOS ILUMA in Egypt in 2023, we are now taking the IQOS experience to new heights. IQOS ILUMA i is our most innovative device to date—our flagship product in the portfolio of scientifically substantiated, heat-not-burn smoke-free systems.”

    The IQOS ILUMA i is compatible with existing TEREA sticks, avoiding the need for format changes. This launch supports Philip Morris International’s vision of a smoke-free future, backed by over $14 billion in R&D and a goal to eliminate cigarettes. Smoke-free products now make up 42% of PMI’s net revenues, with 38.6 million adult users worldwide as of December 2024.

  • Saudi Arabia Bans Tobacco Sales in Small Stores

    Saudi Arabia Bans Tobacco Sales in Small Stores

    A directive issued by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Majed Al-Hogail, bans the sale of tobacco products (including e-cigarettes) and shisha from kiosks, grocery stores (baqalas), and mini markets. According to the new regulations, such products will be available in supply stores (supermarkets and hypermarkets) only.

    The new regulations define grocery stores as having a minimum floor space of 24 square meters, while supermarkets have 100 square meters, and hypermarkets have 500 square meters. The directive will take effect immediately; however, establishments will be granted a six-month correction period to get rid of inventory.

  • North Korea Cracking Down on Youth, Public Smoking

    North Korea Cracking Down on Youth, Public Smoking

    North Korea has launched a strict anti-smoking campaign in Pyongyang, targeting public smoking, especially in busy districts like Jung, Hwasong, Potonggang, and Pyongchon. The campaign, in effect through mid-July, involves patrols by various state organizations and school staff, with a focus on youth and public areas such as parks and bus stops.

    Teen smoking is a key concern, with students being searched and their information reported to schools and political groups if caught. Critics say the campaign is hypocritical, given that Korean President Kim Jong Un is frequently seen smoking publicly. Despite anti-smoking laws passed in 2020, the leader’s own habits are seen as undermining the message.

    “There was a crackdown last year too, but this year’s is much tougher. What’s different is that middle school boys are under constant surveillance and their pockets are being searched more frequently,” a source said. “These measures go beyond just restricting behavior. These orders are clearly meant to teach a harsh lesson.”

  • Article Outlines Role of “Middlemen” in Smuggling Vapes from China to U.S.

    Article Outlines Role of “Middlemen” in Smuggling Vapes from China to U.S.

    Today (June 23), Reuters published an article titled, “How middlemen funnel illegal Chinese vapes into the United States.” In it, reporters Emma Rumney, Kaylee Kang, and Tom Polansek found that China, according to its customs data, exported more than $3.6 billion in vapes to the U.S. in 2024. However, in that time period, according to U.S. customs figures, only $333 million in Chinese vapes were officially received in the U.S.

    “Mismatches in customs data between the U.S. and its trading partners are not uncommon,” the article said, “but a 90% gap was unusual, two customs data specialists told Reuters. Unauthorized vapes often arrive in the U.S. disguised as other items like shoes and toys, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which leads efforts to control the vape market.”

    The FDA, which has faced criticism for slow enforcement, is now turning to artificial intelligence and increased inter-agency collaboration to curb illegal imports. The FDA said that over the past two years, efforts by FDA and Customs Border Protection had led to the seizure of around 7.1 million e-cigarettes with an estimated retail value of over $136 million. Executives at British American Tobacco estimate illicit vapes made up 70% of U.S. sales last year, valued at over $8 billion.

    According to the investigation, a small customs firm near O’Hare International Airport in Chicago processed 60% of all vape and vape parts shipments from China in 2024, as recorded by the FDA. Many of these shipments included illegal brands such as Lost Mary and Geek Bar, which the FDA has banned due to their appeal to minors and lack of authorization. The article outlines how these importers operate and have been able to avoid FDA scrutiny.

  • Belgium Health Minister Urges EU-wide Ban on Vapes

    Belgium Health Minister Urges EU-wide Ban on Vapes

    Belgian Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Frank Vandenbroucke called on EU member states to ban the sale of e-cigarettes across Europe, wanting to close the single market to the industry and its products. Speaking at the Luxembourg Health Council, Vandenbroucke’s agenda also included discussing preventive measures for the use and consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other tobacco products.

     “The European Commission has defined an aggressive agenda against cancer,” Vanderbroucke said. “We think it is important also to include e-cigarettes and vaping in this campaign. What is currently happening is worrying: a vaping industry is making a new generation of young people addicted to nicotine by selling e-cigarettes with all kinds of flavorings. They all seem healthy when, in fact, they are dangerous and make people addicted.”