TobaccoReporter logo

Blog

  • South Africa Debating Vape’s Role in Harm Reduction

    South Africa Debating Vape’s Role in Harm Reduction

    South Africa’s Parliament is reviewing the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, which proposes strict regulations on all nicotine products—treating e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and traditional cigarettes the same. Proponents of harm-reducing products warn that treating all nicotine products equally could stifle innovation and keep safer alternatives out of reach.

    The debate comes at a critical juncture for South Africa’s public health and economy. The current bill includes plain packaging, graphic health warnings, a ban on advertising, public vaping restrictions, and limits on vape flavors. Industry leaders like Philip Morris International (PMI) argue this approach ignores scientific evidence showing reduced harm from smoke-free products, urging a differentiated regulatory framework like those in the UK and Japan.

    PMI says equal restrictions discourage smokers from switching to less harmful alternatives. But health groups and some lawmakers remain cautious, citing youth vaping risks and insufficient long-term safety data.

  • ZMR Introduces Two AI-Powered Vapes in Dubai

    ZMR Introduces Two AI-Powered Vapes in Dubai

    ZMR unveiled two AI-powered vaping devices at World Vape Show Dubai today, The Cube and The Motor. Both products integrate built-in AI-driven technology and self-developed app connectivity to personalize vape modes and usage analytics, and to enable the real-time monitoring of the battery level and liquid volume.

    “The Cube features groundbreaking design as the world’s first 3-in-1 system compatible with ‘disposable, refillable and CBD’ pods,” the company said. “The Motor adopts a module system with a 2.4-inch touchscreen, offering large capacity customization through single-pod, dual-pods, multi-pods, and open system configurations – significantly reducing users’ long-term expenses.”

    Each device is assigned a unique ID, enabling traceability of products and users, optimizing partner sales channel management, and providing robust digital analytics.

  • FDA Begins Review of Zyn’s Modified Risk Claim

    FDA Begins Review of Zyn’s Modified Risk Claim

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially begun its scientific review of modified risk applications for 20 Zyn nicotine pouch products, submitted by Swedish Match USA, Inc.

    Already authorized for sale in January 2025, the company is now seeking permission to market Zyn with a health-related claim: “Using Zyn instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.”

    FDA’s review will assess whether this claim is scientifically and legally justified under the Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) process. The agency will issue a final decision after reviewing scientific evidence, public comments, and recommendations from its Tobacco Product Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC).

    “It is a positive development that FDA is progressing the MRTP applications and we hope for an expeditious review,” a PMI spokesperson said. “Swedish Match has presented the agency with a substantive scientific package that the company believes supports authorizing ZYN as appropriate to promote public health. Providing accurate information on the relative risk of different nicotine products to America’s 45 million legal-age nicotine consumers will help accelerate switching to better alternatives than continued cigarette use—the most harmful form of nicotine consumption.”

    Public comments open June 18 at regulations.gov under docket FDA-2025-N-0835. The comment period will remain open for at least 180 days after publication of the Federal Register notice.

    TPSAC meeting details and redacted application materials will be released on a rolling basis at the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products website.

  • Study: Nicotine Pouches “Game-Changer” for Women Quitting Smoking

    Study: Nicotine Pouches “Game-Changer” for Women Quitting Smoking

    New research from Smoke Free Sweden reveals oral nicotine pouches are a game-changer in Sweden’s path to becoming the world’s first smoke-free nation – and are driving unprecedented success among women. The report, Power in a Pouch, launched today (June 17) in Strasbourg, shows since their introduction in 2016, tobacco-free pouches have helped to accelerate the decline in smoking for both genders, with a nearly 200% rise in quit rates among women. Sweden’s smoking rate is now 5.3%, just above the 5% smoke-free benchmark. Male lung cancer deaths are 61% below the EU average; total cancer deaths, 34% lower.

    “The evidence is crystal clear: nicotine pouches are the most effective way to help smokers – especially women – quit,” said report co-author Dr. Marewa Glover, a behavioral scientist from New Zealand. “Health data and women’s testimonials show pouches are safe, socially acceptable, and fit modern lifestyles. They’re pragmatic, effective, and our best hope for a smoke-free future.”

  • blu Vapes Help Smokers Cut Down, New Studies Find

    blu Vapes Help Smokers Cut Down, New Studies Find

    New research from Imperial Brands shows that its vape product, blu, is helping adult smokers reduce or quit smoking—even among those who had no plans to stop.

    Two behavioral studies tracked smokers who started using blu and found cigarette use dropped by nearly 30% within a week. At a six-month follow-up, up to 40% had significantly reduced or stopped smoking altogether. Flavors played a key role in the switch, with nearly 29% of users preferring fruit flavors, and 60% saying they’d keep using blu because of the flavor options.

    “This is potentially very positive news for public health,” said Elizabeth Clarke, Imperial’s Scientific Substantiation Lead.

    The findings will be presented at the Global Forum on Nicotine 2025 in Warsaw this week and submitted for academic publication later this year.

  • Philippines Tobacco Trading Still Strong Despite Start of Rainy Season

    Philippines Tobacco Trading Still Strong Despite Start of Rainy Season

    The Philippines’ National Tobacco Administration (NTA) announced that tobacco trading operations across the nation are continuing uninterrupted despite the start of the rainy season in June. Dr. Giovanni Palabay, NTA–La Union Manager, confirmed that flue-cured Virginia tobacco trading centers in Ilocos will remain open until June 30, with centers including Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc. (ULPI), Trans Manila, Inc., and Continental Leaf Tobacco Philippines, Inc. operational.

    “If there is more tobacco available beyond June 30, NTA can coordinate for continued accommodation by the trading centers,” said Palabay. Top prices for high-quality Virginia tobacco have reached P130 ($2.34) per kilo.

    There are 59,242 registered tobacco farmers cultivating over 32,500 hectares nationwide. NTA Administrator and CEO Belinda Sanchez said farmers are expected to earn more this season, as trading prices are currently above the government-set floor prices.

    Burley and native tobacco trading will continue in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region through August 31, with peak prices of P118 ($2.12) for Burley and P175 ($3.15) for native Batek tobacco per kilo.

  • Study: Time to Age Tobacco Leaves Shortened

    Study: Time to Age Tobacco Leaves Shortened

    Researchers in China explored how microbial aging affects the flavor quality of flue-cured tobacco and reported that under controlled conditions for 12 months, they were able to replicate results that typically take two to three years to occur naturally.

    Bacillus, particularly Bacillus velezensis TB-1, was identified as a key microorganism linked to aroma development during aging.

    Using solid-state fermentation, B. velezensis TB-1 was applied to low-grade tobacco leaves, significantly boosting levels of important volatile compounds like 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, megastigmatrienone, and 2-methyl-hexanoic acid, which are associated with desirable flavors. Sensory evaluation confirmed improved aroma and taste, demonstrating a promising strategy for enhancing tobacco quality through microbial fermentation.

    The initial findings were filed with Frontiers in Microbiology today (June 17), with a formal paper expected to be published soon.

  • Fumot to Launch New Device at WVS Dubai

    Fumot to Launch New Device at WVS Dubai

    Fumot announced it will unveil its Ultra T32000 Dual-Flavor Pod System this week at the World Vape Show Dubai. “The Ultra T32000 introduces a revolutionary rotating mouthpiece that allows users to switch between two distinct e-liquid flavors instantly—eliminating the need for multiple devices or pod changes,” the company said in a press release. “The device is designed to enhance convenience, sophistication, and sustainability for adult vapers.”

    Additional features include:

    • TPD Compliance: Meets EU safety and quality standards
    • Transparent E-liquid Tank: Easy visibility of remaining liquid
    • Eco-Friendly Battery: Removable and recyclable for reduced waste
    • Generous Capacity: Holds a total of 24mL across dual pods
  • PMI Calls for Smoke-Free Africa 

    PMI Calls for Smoke-Free Africa 

    Philip Morris International (PMI), called for the removal of all obstacles preventing the eradication of smoking in the African continent. The call, made in line with the company’s Tobacco Harm Reduction Program, specifically seeks governments’ policies and actions that are based on current scientific findings, rather than traditions, emotions, and skepticism.

    Speaking at the 2025 Technovation Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, officials of PMI identified a lack of effective government policies, skepticism, and the absence of communication, among other things, as the bane of a smoke-free future in Africa.

    “Innovation has the power to tackle global challenges and, when paired with policy changes, can drive meaningful solutions to worldwide issues,” PMI’s Vice President, Communications and Engagement, Tommaso Di Giovanni said. “However, skepticism toward innovation often results in missed opportunities and stalls progress.” 

     “I think the question we need to ask ourselves is not whether and why, but how Africa should proceed further,” said Andrea Gontkovicova, PMI’s Vice President for Corporate Affairs in the region. “What is the role that we want to take together so that the adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking are given the information, are given the choice, and are given the products which are significantly better?”  

  • Major U.K. Supermarkets Told to Stop Tobacco Ads

    Major U.K. Supermarkets Told to Stop Tobacco Ads

    The British government has contacted Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, two of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, asking them to stop “advertising and promoting” heated tobacco products, which it says is against the law, according to the BBC. It was reported in February that both supermarkets were displaying posters and video screens showing devices that create a “nicotine-containing vapor by heating tobacco with an electric current.” At the time, both supermarkets said they believed the adverts were legal.

    Since 2002, the law has defined a tobacco product as something designed to be “smoked, sniffed, sucked or chewed.” Those supporting heated products point out that such products do not produce smoke, and Philip Morris International says it believes the Department of Health’s interpretation of the law is wrong, and says it has “complied with all applicable laws and regulations” since it launched its heated product, iQos, in 2016.

    The government has now written to the supermarkets saying that, in its opinion, the law does apply to heated products.

    A spokesperson for Morrisons said it was reviewing the letter and would respond “in due course.” Sainsbury’s said, “We remain in close contact with the government and industry partners and are planning our transition to ensure we also comply with planned incoming legislation.”

    It would likely take a court case to settle this dispute; however, currently, there is a bill at the committee stage in the House of Lords that is expected to conclusively ban all tobacco and vape advertising and sponsorship, making other legal actions futile.