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  • Freemax Launches REXA Series

    Freemax Launches REXA Series

    Freemax unveiled its REXA series, which it says features revolutionary “DUOMAX” technology that features a parallel double-mesh structure that eliminates typical coil gaps, ensuring superior stability and even heat distribution.

    “Moreover, it expands the heating area by more than twice, as each mesh in DUOMAX has a larger surface area than the combined mesh of most vertical dual-mesh coils,” the company said in a press release. “This is what makes ‘1+1=3’ a reality—combining one mesh with another in a unique way doesn’t just double the effect, but delivers up to three times the flavor boost and extends coil lifespan by three times, redefining what’s possible in vaping technology.”

    In Freemax lab tests, the REXA POD equipped with DUOMAX technology lasted up to 100mL with freebase e-liquid (50 refills) or 60mL with nicotine salt (30 refills) without experiencing any burnt taste. Beyond durability, DUOMAX ensures 100% flavor compatibility, perfectly tailored for both nicotine salt and freebase e-liquids, regardless of VG/PG ratio or flavor category.

    The REXA Pod lineup is currently available in two configurations: DUOMAX double-mesh pods featuring a slide-to-fill leakproof system, and single-mesh pods with a top-side filling system.

  • Altria Down 5.7% in First Quarter

    Altria Down 5.7% in First Quarter

    Today (April 29), Altria Group, Inc. reported its 2025 first-quarter business results and reaffirmed its guidance for 2025 full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS).

    “Our highly profitable traditional tobacco businesses performed well in a challenging environment in the first quarter,” said Billy Gifford, Altria’s Chief Executive Officer. “The smokeable products segment delivered solid adjusted operating companies income growth behind the strength of Marlboro. In the oral tobacco products segment, on! maintained momentum in a competitive marketplace as Helix invested strategically behind the brand. And shareholders continued to benefit from strong cash returns through dividends and share repurchases, while we invested in pursuit of our Vision.”

    “We continue to expect to deliver a full-year 2025 adjusted diluted EPS growth rate of 2% to 5% versus 2024. This growth rate represents full-year adjusted diluted EPS in a range of $5.30 to $5.45 from a base of $5.19 in 2024. Our guidance excludes amortization expense associated with definite-lived intangible assets, which was previously included in our adjusted results.”

    Highlights from the report included:

    • Q1 revenue decreased 5.7% to $5.3 billion
    • NJOY U.S. retail share increased 2.4 points to 6.6%
    • Shipments of NJOY ACE were discontinued March 24, per ITC orders
    • Paid $1.7 billion in first-quarter dividends
    • Smokeable domestic shipments decreased 13.7%
    • Net revenues for oral tobacco products increased by 0.5%

    See the full report here.

  • Heat Hazard: This Common Item Could Destroy Your Car

    Heat Hazard: This Common Item Could Destroy Your Car

    Expert warns drivers to avoid common mistake as the weather gets warmer

    As warmer temperatures hit the UK, experts are urging drivers not to leave their vapes in the car as the significant change in temperature can lead to the vape battery exploding, causing a fire and resulting in £1,000s worth of damage and risk to health. 

    Here, Markus Lindblad, Director from Haypp, reveals the dangers of leaving vapes in a car as the weather starts to get warmer and what to do if your vape overheats.

    • Battery explosion: All vapes require a battery to function, and these batteries are very sensitive to any extreme change in temperatures, especially heat. If you leave your vape in the car, and it’s exposed to the sun for a long period of time, then the vape battery is at risk of swelling, leaking and in some cases, can potentially cause the battery to explode. 
    • Leaking vape juice: The extreme temperature conditions in a car can cause the e-liquid inside vapes to thin, or the vape tank can expand which causes leaks. A leaking vape will not only cause a sticky mess within the car interior and be difficult to clean, but in some cases it can also cause irritation to the skin too. If the vape has leaked in the car then it’s advised not to use it and dispose of it correctly. 
    • Damaged vape: Leaving a vape exposed to heat can also damage parts of the vapes, impacting the performance of the device, reducing the battery lifespan, and ruining the coils, screen or tank. 
    • Insurance risks: If a vape causes a car fire, owners may not be able to claim on their insurance. Some policies might have clauses that exclude coverage for fires caused by vaping devices, arguing that you increased the vehicle’s fire risk, resulting in the car owner paying £1,000s worth of damage.

    What to do if you leave your vape in the car?

    If you leave your vape in a hot car for a long period of time, then it’s important to cool the vape down safely by placing it in a cool dark place. Alternatively, wipe it down with a cold damp cloth and let it air dry.  If your vape has overheated, do not, under any circumstances, place the vape in water to cool it down, as this could increase the risk of the battery exploding.  

    Where is the best place to leave a vape in a car?

    It’s always best to take a vape out of the car. If this is not possible, then it’s advised to either park in a shady spot, or place it in the glove box out of direct sunlight. Vapes should be kept at room temperature, so any fluctuations or sudden temperature changes can damage the battery, causing a fire hazard.

  • BAT’s Vuse Out of Malaysia by Q3 2025

    BAT’s Vuse Out of Malaysia by Q3 2025

    Today (April 28), British American Tobacco Malaysia Bhd said it will phase out its vapor products from the Malaysian market by the third quarter of 2025 to comply with the new Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).

    “In order to comply with the new regulatory requirements for vapor products as set out in Act 852 and its regulations that will take effect on Oct 1, 2025, the company will be transitioning out its current range of Vuse products in the third quarter of 2025,” BAT Malaysia said in a filing.

    The company said the transition will undertake commercial assessments of Vuse products while adhering to the new regulations, with a continued focus on “delivering combustible value growth.” BAT Malaysia expects that the exit will have a minimal impact on its financial performance for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2025. Vuse, the No. 1 global vaping brand by market share, is currently the only vapor product sold by BAT Malaysia.

    Last week, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the government will intensify enforcement and regulation of electronic cigarettes and vape products under Act 852. Act 852, which first came into effect in October of last year, specifically targets individuals under the age of 18, who are prohibited from purchasing or using any smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vape devices, in Malaysia.

    In FY2024, BAT Malaysia’s gross profit margin slipped 1.2 percentage points to 23.4% or RM541 million ($124.4 million), from RM568 million ($130.6 million) in FY2023, largely due to lower margins from vapor products. 

  • PMI CEO Calls for Common-Sense Regulations

    PMI CEO Calls for Common-Sense Regulations

    Jacek Olczak, Chief Executive Officer of Philip Morris International Inc., outlined the need for common-sense regulations in the consumer goods sector while addressing global leaders at Semafor’s annual World Economy Summit in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2025. Olczak emphasized the sector’s potential for innovation-led growth despite the volatile economic environment. He stressed, however, that without appropriate regulation and policy frameworks to enable scientific evaluation and consumer access, promising breakthroughs—such as innovations in wellness, food, and personal care products—could become missed opportunities.

    “Disparities in nicotine regulation are creating a global divide with profound health and economic impacts,” Olczak said. “Some countries that have prohibited smoke-free products are seeing higher smoking rates persist, while many of those whose policies encourage smokers to make better choices are advancing away from cigarettes more quickly. As a result, we are already starting to see nations where smoking has significantly declined while others unnecessarily continue to experience smoking rates of 20%, 30% or higher.”

    According to PMI, more than 190 million smokers in more than 20 markets—nearly 20% of smokers globally—have no legal access to smoke-free products, while cigarettes—the most harmful way to consume nicotine—are available on the market. This stagnation persists despite the introduction of advertising bans, high excise taxes, plain packaging, and a complete flavor ban on cigarettes.

    “Innovation needs to be accessible and impactful,” Olczak said. “At PMI, we have invested heavily, innovated continually, and transformed our business model to replace cigarettes with better, smoke-free alternatives, which as of Q1 2025 represent 42% of our global net revenues—up from zero a decade ago. It is imperative that countries worldwide adopt policy frameworks that keep pace with these innovations to deliver on the promise of progress.”

  • CAPHRA Urges Malaysia to Reject Vape Bans 

    CAPHRA Urges Malaysia to Reject Vape Bans 

    The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) today (April 28) urged Malaysian authorities to reject “counterproductive bans” on vaping and adopt risk-proportionate regulations, citing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) persistent neglect of harm reduction strategies as a key driver of preventable smoking-related deaths. 

    The call comes as Malaysia faces pressure to tighten vaping controls under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), with state-level bans and stricter nicotine limits threatening progress. CAPHRA warns that such measures risk replicating failed prohibitions in Bhutan and South Africa, where bans fuel illicit markets and health risks. 

    “Enforcing stricter controls on high-risk products over safer alternatives is better than outright bans,” Universiti Kebangsaan Malasia professor Dr. Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said. “Malaysia must differentiate between combustible cigarettes and harm reduction tools.” 

    CAPHRA criticized the WHO, saying it ignores vaping’s role in smoking cessation. Despite Malaysia’s illicit tobacco trade dominating 55.3% of the market in 2023, WHO projects smoking rates will rise to 30% by 2025, contrasting sharply with Sweden’s 5% rate achieved through harm reduction. 

    “We firmly believe that an outright ban on vape products is counterproductive and could lead to unintended consequences, including the proliferation of black market activities,” Samsul Arrifin Kamal of MOVE Malaysia said. “The solution lies in implementing stricter controls, risk-proportionate regulations, and robust enforcement mechanisms. By establishing clear guidelines for the production, sale, and use of vape products, we can ensure consumer safety.” 

  • Maldives’ Customs Seize 13.6M Cigarettes as Illicit Market Thrives

    Maldives’ Customs Seize 13.6M Cigarettes as Illicit Market Thrives

    Custom officials in the Maldives seized 13.6 million cigarettes at a sea cargo terminal worth MVR 122 million ($7.9 million), officials said. Inspectors found 1,360 cases of cigarettes in two 40-foot containers.

    Under the law, cigarettes must be imported with a warning message label and under a special permit, but these cigarettes lacked both. Customs did not disclose the name of the company attempting to import them.

    Officials believe the illicit cigarette market in the country is thriving. Following a doubling in import duty in the Maldives, reports said detections of Manchesters, a popular smuggled brand in the region, are being made and tax revenues have plunged suddenly.

    “High taxes and revenue losses are also encouraged by international agencies in some countries, though analysts say high taxes and economic controls of all kinds encourage disrespect for the law and corruption,” Economy Next wrote, claiming duties from cigarette imports in Maldives dropped from MVR 100 million ($6.5 million) to MVR 5 million ($325,000). “There have been some anecdotes suggesting that Maldives imports are smuggled to third countries, like Sri Lanka, through what some euphemistically call the ‘muhuda meda market’ (the market in the middle of the sea).”

  • Study: Chips and Biometrics Protect ENDS Devices from Underage Use

    Study: Chips and Biometrics Protect ENDS Devices from Underage Use

    IKE Tech LLC announced the results from a multi-center Human Factors Validation Study evaluating its Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System, where 100% of users completed age verification, and no underage users were able to activate a device. According to the company, IKE System is the first interoperable biometric blockchain-based platform designed to control access to electronic nicotine delivery systems.

    IKE Tech is a joint venture between Ispire Technology Inc., Berify, and Chemular.

    The study assessed usability, safety, and effectiveness in preventing underage access to ENDS, using BLE-enabled chips and biometric authentication to control device access in real-time.

    “Our findings prove that digital access control is not only achievable but scalable—and essential to the future of ENDS regulation” said John Patterson, President of IKE Tech. “We’re not just building technology. We’re building a new regulatory framework, one that gives the FDA and manufacturers powerful tools to safeguard public health and ensure adult-only access. This is bigger than just a chip—it’s a paradigm shift.”

    Conducted with more than 100 participants, the study simulated real-world use of the IKE system. Participants downloaded the app, verified their age, paired with a test device, and interacted with BLE-based access controls. Devices could only be reactivated with biometric authentication. One hundred percent of devices deactivated after a period of inactivity or loss of Bluetooth signal, and 91% rated the app “extremely easy” or “very easy” to use.

  • Turning Point Announces Q1 Review

    Turning Point Announces Q1 Review

    Turning Point Brands, Inc. announced that on May 7, it will hold a conference call to review 1st quarter 2025 results at 9:30 a.m. EST. Interested analysts and professional investors can register and participate through one of its call-in numbers:

    (800) 715-9871 (U.S., toll-free)
    (646) 307-1963 (International)
    Event ID: 6640134

    Participants should call at least 10 minutes before the start and follow the audio prompts after typing in the Event ID. The call will also be broadcast live as a listen-only webcast from the investor relations section of the company’s website. The replay of the webcast will be available on the site two hours following the call.

  • Australian State Ups Penalties for Illicit Tobacco 

    Australian State Ups Penalties for Illicit Tobacco 

    Australia’s New South Wales government has introduced major reforms that are expected to be phased in by July 1 to combat illicit tobacco sales. They include a new licensing scheme for retailers and significantly increased penalties for offenders. NSW is following the lead of Queensland, which recently enacted similar measures.

    Under NSW’s new laws, businesses will need to obtain a tobacco retailing license or face fines of up to A$220,000 ($140,000) for corporations and A$44,000 ($28,000) for individuals. Retailers with a current Retailer Identification Number (RIN) will receive information on how to apply for a license. 

    Heavier penalties are now in effect for offenses such as selling single cigarettes or in packs of less than 20, tobacco products without health warnings, or using prohibited packaging. Corporations caught committing these offenses face fines of up to A$770,000 ($493,000), while individuals can be fined A$154,000 ($98,600). 

    The new laws have also strengthened penalties for both individuals and corporations caught selling tobacco products to minors. Individuals can be fined up to A$22,000 ($14,000) for their first offense and A$110,000 ($70,400) for subsequent offenses, while corporations face fines of up to A$110,000 for a first offense and A$220,000 for further offenses.