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  • England: Half a Million Fake Cigarettes Seized

    England: Half a Million Fake Cigarettes Seized

    The Hull (England) City Council announced that last week it seized more than 500,000 counterfeit cigarettes and vapor products from a property on Anlaby Road.

    The council’s trading standards team and Humberside Police said it seized “266 pounds (121kg) of cigarettes and 500 vapes hidden in stacks of cardboard boxes.”

    “Tobacco like this is about more than just cheap cigarettes or vapes,” Charles Quinn, city councilor said. “Products aren’t subject to any safety regulations – they could pose a significant fire risk and there’s simply no way to know what you’re actually buying.

    “Research also shows they fund organized crime. There’s simply no place for these counterfeit products in our communities”.

  • U.K. Nearing Generational Ban

    U.K. Nearing Generational Ban

    The United Kingdom is poised to implement a generational tobacco ban this year, which would make it the only nation in the world to have such legislation at the national level. The proposal would make it illegal for anyone born after January 1, 2009 to buy tobacco products.

    The Tobacco and Vapes Bill was originally introduced in 2023 but made little progress until it was revived in November 2024. In the first vote in Parliament’s House of Commons, members of Parliament voted 415 to 47 in favor of the bill, which currently sits in the Commons committee stage and is set to be voted on again in the House of Commons later this month. Additional committee sittings are scheduled until then, with the intent of concluding the proceedings by January 30. The bill would then return to the House of Commons, and with a favorable vote would move to the House of Lords.

    As this proposal was introduced by the Conservative Party and later reintroduced by the Labour Party, there is little political resistance to stop it. There is fleeting hope that some of the language will change down the road, but as for now, the wording is a generic, wide-ranging categorization of tobacco products, which lumps all products containing nicotine together, including cigars.

    “The big problem for us is that, from our view, this has been such an undemocratic, uninformed piece of legislation,” said Eddie Sahakian, who runs London’s renowned Davidoff cigar store. “We would have understood if the normal forms of consultation had taken place, if all stakeholders were consulted and opinions were taken.

    “Our preferred outcome here is that there is a carve-out for handmade, premium cigars.”

    Writing for Cigar Aficionado, Garrett Rutledge said, “The next month will be critical. Every possibility theoretically remains on the table, although all signs continue to strongly point to the ban proposal becoming law this year.

    “If a nation like the United Kingdom were to implement such a law, it’s a near certainty that many others around the world would soon attempt to follow suit. New Zealand kicked things off in 2023, despite the legislation eventually being repealed. And recently, state and local governing bodies in the United States have begun proposing, and implementing, their own generational bans. Given the continued trend, it appears this is only just the beginning.”

  • Consilium Sciences Announces Rebrand

    Consilium Sciences Announces Rebrand

    Consilium Sciences, a leader in data-driven solutions for tobacco harm reduction, has announced an exciting milestone in its journey. Beginning February 1, 2025, the organization will operate under the name Sapphire Sciences, a move that reflects its expanded capabilities and long-term commitment to advancing public health.

    The new name, “Sapphire,” is a nod to “Appropriate for the Protection of Public Health” (APPH), which emphasizes Sapphire Sciences’ dedication to delivering science-driven insights and innovative solutions that support the development of safer alternatives in the tobacco and nicotine space.

    In response to evolving industry needs, Sapphire Sciences has broadened its service offerings, ensuring comprehensive support for clients navigating complex regulatory and scientific landscapes. Key areas of expertise include regulatory affairs, toxicology and chemistry, comprehensive product development, literature review and data science, and real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE).

    President and CEO Catherine Vick emphasized the company’s continued focus on scientific integrity and client collaboration. “This rebranding reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, impactful solutions that support innovation in tobacco harm reduction and public health,” said Vick.

  • Greece Cracking Down on Sales to Minors

    Greece Cracking Down on Sales to Minors

    The Ministry of Health in Greece is introducing stricter regulations on alcohol sales to minors, as well as tighter controls on the sale and use of new tobacco and nicotine-based products, to include cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping substances, and synthetic nicotine items.

    A draft of the bill is being reviewed by the government today, in the wake of what is being called a serious and worrying trend of alcohol abuse by minors. The legal overhaul aims to protect minors from all harmful substances and improve enforcement mechanisms. 

    Many of the regulation changes center around where products can be sold, reinforced age verification at points of sale, and harsher penalties for retailers selling to minors.

    Further, the bill creates a new department within the National Public Health Organization specifically to monitor and enforce the revised laws on these substances.

  • Philippines: Illicit Trade Hurting Everyone

    Philippines: Illicit Trade Hurting Everyone

    The Senate Committee on Ways and Means said illicit trade has been a major factor in the rise of smoking prevalence in the Philippines and a drop in revenue from excise taxes on tobacco products.

    According to a survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, smoking prevalence in the country rose from 14% in 2021 to 18% in 2023.

    “For almost six years, we reduced smoking prevalence, but in just two years, we’re back to square one,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said during the public hearing.

    Meanwhile, revenue from tobacco excise taxes fell from a peak of PHP176 billion (USD$3 billion) in 2021 to PHP134 billion (USD$2.3) in 2023.

    Gatchalian, who chairs the panel, attributed this to a rise in illicit trade, with data from Kantar showing illegal cigarettes now account for 16% of the market, up from 5% in 2021.

    “Illicit trade undermines our efforts,” he said, underscoring the need to address revenue leakages by curbing illicit trade. “These products evade taxes and make cigarettes more accessible, promoting smoking among our people.”

    Tobacco products are among eight excisable items in the country, along with alcohol, vapor products, petroleum, automobiles, non-essential goods and services, sugar-sweetened beverages, and mineral products.

    The survey also revealed a rise in the use of e-cigarettes among adolescents, with usage skyrocketing from 7.5% in 2021 to 39.9% in 2023.

  • Tobacco Technology Celebrates 50th

    Tobacco Technology Celebrates 50th

    Tobacco Technology, Inc. (TTI), a family-owned and operated company, is proud to announce its 50th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 1975 by Duke Cassels-Smith, the company began as a small operation specializing in the creation of high-quality tobacco flavorings. Today, it is a leading global supplier of flavor products and a key player in multiple industries, including e-liquids, shisha, cigarette, cannabis, cigar, oral tobacco, and nicotine pouches.

    Under the leadership of Duke’s wife, Jeremy Cassels-Smith, and their son, George Cassels-Smith, the company has evolved into a multi-faceted enterprise. From its origins in the United States, TTI has grown to include several key divisions, including E-LiquiTech, Inc. (an e-liquid manufacturing company), Emerald Green Technology, Inc. (focused on flavoring solutions for the cannabis industry), and TTI Flavors in Assisi, Italy (a full-scale flavor manufacturing facility).

    “As we continue to expand our global footprint, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving growth and innovation within the tobacco industry,” TTI president David Johnson said. “Our strategic investments in the e-liquid and cannabis markets underscore our dedication to staying at the forefront of industry evolution, responding to changing consumer preferences, and opening new avenues for growth. The opening of our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Italy will enhance our ability to our global customers with greater efficiency and stability. This marks a significant milestone in our vision to lead on a global scale, delivering value to our customers, partners, and stakeholders around the world.”,

    “Reaching this incredible milestone is a testament to the hard work, vision, and dedication of our team,” said Jeremy Cassels-Smith, chairwoman of Tobacco Technology. “What started as a passion project of my late husband Duke has grown into an international operation, providing exceptional flavoring solutions to the tobacco industry across the globe. We remain committed to innovation and quality, ensuring that our products continue to set industry standards.”

    The company now employs over 100 professionals worldwide who are dedicated to the development, manufacturing, and rigorous quality oversight of the flavors that have made Tobacco Technology, Inc. a trusted name. Their expertise spans tobacco, e-liquids, cannabis, with a wide variety of flavor applications.

    “Our family has always been at the heart of this business, and our team is like an extension of that family,” said George Cassels-Smith, CEO of the company. “As we move forward, we remain focused on the values that have guided us for five decades—integrity, quality, and a commitment to delivering flavors that our customers can depend upon.”

    TTI is also proud to be a leader in sustainability and cutting-edge technology. For example, Its E-LiquiTech division makes completed e-juice formulations for its customers that utilizes pharmaceutical GMP’s and Rockwell automation, incorporating complete track and traceability and closed-loop recycling while receiving a 96th percentile EcoVadis Gold sustainability rating. Perfect every time.

    To mark this momentous occasion, TTI will be hosting a celebratory event with customers, partners, and employees later this year to honor the legacy of its founder, Duke Cassels-Smith, and the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence.

    As Tobacco Technology, Inc. celebrates its 50-year milestone, the company remains steadfast in its mission to provide the highest-quality, most innovative flavor solutions to its global customer base while staying true to the values that have been the foundation of its success. “We appreciate your business that has fueled this growth and we thank you for all your support over the last 50 years.”

  • Regulatory Freeze Pending Review

    Regulatory Freeze Pending Review

    As the Trump Administration digs in, it has called for a regulatory freeze pending review across all agencies, citing five points:

    (1)  Do not propose or issue any rule in any manner, including by sending a rule to the Office of the Federal Register (the “OFR”), until a department or agency head appointed or designated by the President after noon on January 20, 2025, reviews and approves the rule.  

    (2)  Immediately withdraw any rules that have been sent to the OFR but not published in the Federal Register, so that they can be reviewed and approved as described in paragraph 1, subject to the exceptions described in paragraph 1. 

    (3)  Consider postponing for 60 days from the date of this memorandum the effective date for any rules that have been published in the Federal Register, or any rules that have been issued in any manner but have not taken effect, for the purpose of reviewing any questions of fact, law, and policy that the rules may raise.  

    (4)  Following the postponement described in paragraph 3, no further action needs to be taken for those rules that raise no substantial questions of fact, law, or policy.  For those rules that raise substantial questions of fact, law, or policy, agencies should notify and take further appropriate action in consultation with the OMB Director.

    (5)  Comply in all circumstances with any applicable Executive Orders concerning regulatory management.

    Should actions be identified that were undertaken before noon on January 20, 2025, that frustrate the purpose underlying this memorandum, the administration modify or extend this memorandum, to require that department and agency heads consider taking steps to address those actions.

  • Trump Admin Pauses Federal Health Communications

    Trump Admin Pauses Federal Health Communications

    According to CNN, the Trump administration has directed federal health agencies to pause external communications, such as regular scientific reports, updates to websites, and health advisories, according to sources within the agencies.

    Contributors Brenda Goodman and Meg Tirrell wrote that the initial orders were delivered Tuesday to staff at agencies inside the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including to officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institutes of Health, according to the Washington Post, which first reported the story.

    The direction came without warning and with little guidance as to what exactly it covered, according to sources inside the affected agencies who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to share the information.

    In a follow-up memo obtained by CNN on Wednesday, Acting Health Secretary Dr. Dorothy Fink provided additional details, including that the directive would be in effect through February 1.

    CNN reported that “The memo told health agency employees to have all documents and communications – including regulations, guidance, notices, social media, websites and press releases – reviewed and approved by a presidential appointee before issuing them. It also directed employees not to participate in any public speaking engagements without approval, and to coordinate with presidential appointees before issuing official correspondence to members of Congress or governors.”

    “As the new Administration considers its plan for managing the federal policy and public communications processes, it is important that the President’s appointees and designees have the opportunity to review and approve any regulations, guidance documents, and other public documents and communications (including social media),” Fink said in the memo.

    The directive also told employees to notify higher-ups of any documents or communications that should be exempt either because they’re required by law or because they’re critical for health, safety or other reasons. Already Wednesday morning, the FDA sent out a communication about a safety warning added to the multiple sclerosis drug glatiramer acetate, which goes by brand names including Copaxone, for a “rare but serious allergic reaction.”

    According to the Washington Post, “The pause on communications includes scientific reports issued by the CDC, known as the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR); advisories sent out to clinicians on CDC’s health alert network about public health incidents; data updates to the CDC website; and public health data releases from the National Center for Health Statistics, which tracks myriad health trends, including drugoverdose deaths.

    Several health officials said they are wary of any messaging halt after the first Trump administration pushed to tightly control the agencies’ communications during the coronavirus response in 2020. Others, however, suggestedthe move is aimed at helping the newly installed Trump health officials understand the vast flow of information coming out of the agencies. The pause, according to one official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal agency conversations, “seemed more about letting them catch their breath and know what is going on with regard to” communications.

  • SCOTUS Tapdancing Around Vape-Venue Dispute

    SCOTUS Tapdancing Around Vape-Venue Dispute

    Tobacco and vape manufacturers have had little success battling the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the majority of appeals courts around the country. However, one place where they have enjoyed modest success is the Fifth Circuit which is located in Louisiana and also governs Mississippi and Texas, and is widely considered the most conservative court in the country. That so many such cases are ending up in the Fifth Circuit is “forum shopping” and shouldn’t be allowed according to the government, an argument that was presented to the Supreme Court January 21.

    The case revolves around R.J. Reynolds Vapor (RJR), a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, a company based in North Carolina, which has found little success battling the FDA in its home Fourth Circuit. Under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, manufacturers must get marketing authorization from the FDA before introducing new tobacco products into interstate commerce, and any appeals must be made in either the plaintiff’s home circuit or the D.C. Circuit. The agency previously denied Reynolds’ authorization for flavored e-cigarette products out of concerns for public health. As such, RJR joined several retailers it supplies in Texas and Mississippi and filed its lawsuit in the friendlier Fifth Circuit, a court that has deviated from seven other circuits including the Fourth Circuit and the D.C. Circuit which upheld the FDA’s bans on flavored e-cigarettes. The FDA argued the venue should be based on the location of manufacturers, not the countless retailers.

    “They have circumvented that ability of a court to identify the most convenient forum,” the government said. “By allowing them to use the tactic that they have used, they can unilaterally send the cases to whichever court they prefer.” 

    Justice Clarence Thomas, a George H.W. Bush appointee, suggesting the government had a bias against the Fifth Circuit, asked, “Does it have anything to do with your not winning in the Fifth Circuit?” 

    The government said more than a dozen e-cigarette companies filed appeals in the Fifth Circuit last year. “In 2024, by our count … about 75% of e-cigarette cases were filed all in the Fifth Circuit, all of them by out-of-circuit applicants trying to use the tactic that was approved in the decision below,” said Vivek Suri, assistant to the solicitor general at the Justice Department. “What’s happening now is all of these applicants, whether they’re in California, Michigan, Ohio, or even China, are going to the Fifth Circuit to sue.”

    “Congress was trying to ensure that these kinds of cases go in certain forums or they’re being litigated all over the country and not just in one place chosen by the defendants,” Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a Joe Biden appointee, said, suggesting companies were using loopholes to undermine Congress’ venue limitations.

    Kelsey Reichman, writing for the Courthouse News Service, said, “The high court was skeptical that local retailers should be completely barred from challenging marketing denials keeping flavored vapes off store shelves, but their bigger concern stemmed from the potential ripple effects of the case … concerned that a broad venue ruling in this case could touch hundreds of other statutes.”

    “Some of the amici claim that there are as many as 650 review provisions that are similar to the one here,” Justice Samuel Alito, a George W. Bush appointee, said. “Can you tell us how many of those would be subject to the limitation that you just set out?” 

    The government suggested a narrow ruling limited to the Tobacco Control Act. By the end of the argument session, this seemed to be the most likely resolution to the dispute, Reichman said. 

    However, some of the justices questioned whether this was solving the government’s actual complaint. Justice Neil Gorsuch, a Donald Trump appointee, said even if the court prohibited companies from piggybacking on retailer lawsuits, manufacturers could use other tactics to put cases before their preferred court.  

    “What would stop manufacturers from simply funding retailer suits?” Gorsuch asked. “We’d end up in exactly the same place. Third-party funded litigation is not unknown in this country.” 

  • KT&G Opens Expanded Plant in Turkiye

    KT&G Opens Expanded Plant in Turkiye

    South Korea’s leading tobacco company, KT&G, announced the completion of additional manufacturing facilities in Turkiye as part of a strategy to solidify its position as a global top-tier company. This is part of the company’s 2023 initiative to increase global sales by 50%.

    The expansion in Turkiye added two new production facilities to the factory, increasing its total ground area by approximately 50% to 25,000 square meters. With the upgrades, the company’s four facilities can now produce up to 12 billion cigarettes annually, enabling KT&G to meet growing demand in North Africa and Latin America.

    “By strengthening our production capabilities in Turkiye, we are taking significant steps toward becoming an unmatched global leader,” KT&G’s CEO Bang Kyung-man said in a statement. “We will continue to focus on our three core businesses while enhancing our competitive edge.”

    KT&G has been expanding its global footprint since establishing its first overseas factory in Turkiye in 2008. The company is currently working on additional projects, including new factories in Indonesia and a facility in Kazakhstan, set to be completed this year.