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  • Pakistan Probes Theft of $900K of Cigarettes From FBR Warehouses

    Pakistan Probes Theft of $900K of Cigarettes From FBR Warehouses

    A Senate sub-committee in Pakistan called on relevant authorities to explain the theft of 2,828 cartons of cigarettes worth Rs250 million ($900,000) from Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) warehouses in Swabi and Mardan. Chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, the panel directed the FBR and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to identify those responsible and ensure recovery of the stolen goods. The committee criticized the absence of senior FIA officials during proceedings and noted prior incidents of cigarette theft, including one in April 2024, raising concerns that consignments are being specifically targeted.

    Officials reported that CCTV cameras were installed in all FBR godowns as of January 14, and a new SOP was introduced to strengthen monitoring. Ten officers have been suspended, while others with potential links to the business community were transferred. The panel also highlighted weak coordination between the FIA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, instructing authorities to implement stronger security measures and provide consolidated records of all godowns since 2012 to prevent future theft and smuggling activities.

  • Holman Defends CTP’s ‘Notable Improvement’

    Holman Defends CTP’s ‘Notable Improvement’

    On Feb. 24, the Wall Street Journal’s editorial board published a piece titled, “Who’s in charge of the FDA?” arguing that internal tensions at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration could be undermining efforts across all departments. The piece points to decisions affecting emerging products and suggests a broader debate within the FDA over how flexible the approval process should be.

    In response, Matthew R. Holman, vice president of U.S. Scientific Engagement & Regulatory Strategy at Philip Morris International and a former chief scientist at the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, wrote a letter that the WSJ published yesterday (March 5), saying that despite criticism and organizational challenges facing the FDA, the organization — and the CTP in particular — has shown notable improvement.

    “Over the past year, the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products has become a notable bright spot — delivering real results for an agency working through significant institutional challenges,” he wrote. “The CTP has been responsive to industry experts and congressional leaders.”

    Responding to concerns raised in a 2022 Reagan-Udall Foundation report and congressional hearings about transparency and a backlog of smoke-free product applications, Holman said the center has become more receptive to industry and lawmakers, pointing to actions such as a pilot program to fast-track nicotine pouch reviews and upcoming advisory committee hearings on smoke-free products.

    “The CTP has taken several notable actions in the past year and is poised for more positive developments,” Holman wrote. “There’s still more work to be done to ensure the CTP is meeting its mission and properly regulating tobacco products in the marketplace with a focus on authorizing scientifically substantiated smoke-free products. But the progress we have seen in the first year of this administration is notable.”

  • Zimbabwe Assures Farmers as Tobacco Prices Begin Stabilizing

    Zimbabwe Assures Farmers as Tobacco Prices Begin Stabilizing

    The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has reassured Zimbabwean tobacco farmers that market prices are stabilizing following an early-season shock where some bales sold for as little as $0.35 per kg, despite the first bale fetching $4.60/kg. TIMB attributed the sharp early declines to a global oversupply of tobacco, the early opening of sales floors, and limited initial participation by buyers, rather than any structural market distortions.

    With the opening of contract floors, including Northern Tobacco, prices have begun to recover, and no complaints from growers were reported during the latest auctions. TIMB emphasized its mandate to protect farmer welfare, pledging to monitor the market closely and prevent conduct that could harm competition or disadvantage growers, urging farmers to allow normal market dynamics to restore stability as broader buyer participation continues.

  • S. Africa Exempts Smokeless Tobacco from New Regs

    S. Africa Exempts Smokeless Tobacco from New Regs

    South Africa’s Department of Health plans to exempt non-combustible and smokeless tobacco products such as snus, chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches, and e-cigarettes from key provisions of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, according to Times Live. Deputy Director-General Jeanette Hunter said the exemption reflects their lower toxic profile, though rules will still restrict misleading claims, shapes, and descriptors to protect children.

    Parliamentary debate raised cultural and enforcement concerns, with the African Transformation Movement’s Vuyo Zungula calling for clear exemptions for traditional snuff use, and Freedom Front Plus’ Philippus van Staden citing limited law enforcement and border controls. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi clarified that cultural use of combustible tobacco is rare, while Hunter highlighted that smoking remains prohibited in public spaces, with compliance largely enforced by public awareness rather than police presence.

  • Report Examines Power of Pouches for Women’s Cessation

    Report Examines Power of Pouches for Women’s Cessation

    In advance of International Women’s Day on March 8, Smoke Free Sweden released its Empowerment in a Pouch report, focused on encouraging women to quit smoking by using alternative nicotine products. The report says women often face unique challenges with smoking cessation, including stronger behavioral cues linked to stress, weight management, and social contexts. As a result, many women have adopted alternatives such as e-cigarettes in attempts to reduce or replace cigarette use, drawn by features such as reduced odor, perceived lower health risks compared with combustible cigarettes, and the ability to use them discreetly in daily life. Surveys in several markets indicate that women who vape frequently cite convenience, control over nicotine intake, and the absence of smoke as key factors influencing their choice.

    The report also discusses how access to tobacco-free nicotine pouches has accelerated Sweden’s progress towards becoming smoke-free, particularly among women. The report was sent to governments around the world as policymakers, researchers, and health organizations continue to debate how alternative products affect women’s health, smoking cessation trends, and long-term nicotine dependence across different populations.

    “Sweden’s experience shows what happens when women are given realistic alternatives to smoking,” said Professor Marewa Glover, behavioral scientist and co-author. “When safer options are accessible, women quit in large numbers. If those options are restricted, progress slows, and smoking persists.”

  • Vape Use Rises in Macau Despite Ban

    Vape Use Rises in Macau Despite Ban

    Electronic cigarette use remains widely visible in Macau despite a ban on importing the devices, with tourists and residents frequently seen vaping in public areas and occasionally indoors. Data from the Health Bureau show illegal smoking cases rose 27% in 2025 compared with 2024, alongside a sharp increase in vaping-related incidents and a 48% rise in violations involving tourists, which officials partly attribute to higher visitor numbers and expanded inspections totaling more than 240,700 checks during the year. Individuals caught bringing vaping products into the city face fines of MOP4,000 ($480).

    According to the authorities, the city’s Customs Service recorded 49 major cases involving e-cigarettes and related products as of Feb. 23, seizing 68,247 devices and 21,299 cartridges or liquids.

  • Reynolds Pledges $3.2B to U.S. Manufacturing by 2030

    Reynolds Pledges $3.2B to U.S. Manufacturing by 2030

    Today (March 5), Reynolds American announced the launch of its “Growing Tomorrow” campaign, a commitment to invest more than $3.2 billion in its U.S. operations by 2030 in order to strengthen American manufacturing, support jobs, and expand its multicategory nicotine portfolio. The investment program, which began in 2024, is expected to support more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs across the company’s operations and supply network. President and CEO David Waterfield said the campaign reflects continued investment in U.S. manufacturing and workforce development as the company positions itself for long-term growth.

    The funding will support Reynolds American’s ongoing transition toward a predominantly smokeless portfolio, including modernization and expansion of manufacturing facilities, increased innovation and production capacity, and stronger domestic supply chains. The company said more than $200 million has already been invested in U.S. manufacturing over the past two years as part of the broader commitment.

    The company currently employs more than 4,300 people in the United States across manufacturing, science, engineering, and corporate roles. Chief People Officer Borgia Walker said the organization is focused on expanding career opportunities and workforce capabilities as it continues to grow. Reynolds American said its supply chain also supports agriculture and local economies nationwide. In 2025, the company was the largest purchaser of U.S. tobacco leaf, reinforcing the role of farmers, particularly in North Carolina, within its domestic supply network.

  • China Tobacco Lifts 2025 Profit, Increases Dividend

    China Tobacco Lifts 2025 Profit, Increases Dividend

    China Tobacco International (HK) Company Limited reported strong full-year results for 2025, with revenue rising 11.5% year-on-year to HK$14.6 billion ($1.9 billion), lifting gross profit to HK$1.5 billion ($191 million) and net profit to HK$1.05 billion ($136.5 million), up 16%. Earnings per share increased to HK$1.42 ($0.18) from HK$1.23 ($0.16), supported by lower finance costs and higher other income, which drove a nearly 15% rise in profit before tax. Reflecting its solid financial performance and cash flow, the board recommended a final dividend of HK$0.33 ($0.043) per share, bringing the full-year payout to HK$0.52 ($0.068), a 13% increase that underscores the company’s commitment to creating shareholder value.

  • Tech Offices Offering Nicotine Pouches as Workplace Perk

    Tech Offices Offering Nicotine Pouches as Workplace Perk

    A report in Fortune highlights a growing trend among some technology companies that are placing nicotine pouches in office vending machines as a workplace perk, with the aim of boosting employee focus and productivity. At the Washington, D.C., office of Palantir Technologies, vending machines stocked with nicotine pouches from startups Lucy Nicotine and Sesh Products have been installed for employees and guests over the age of 21. According to reports cited by The Wall Street Journal, the products are provided free of charge and paid for by the company.

    The practice is also appearing at smaller tech firms. Hello Patient, an AI-powered healthcare startup based in Austin, experimented with a nicotine-pouch fridge in its office after its founder noticed engineers using the products during work.

    The article also notes that researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center said that while nicotine pouches are smoke-free, they still deliver nicotine and can lead to dependence, underscoring the ongoing debate about the health implications of workplace nicotine use.

  • Nebraska Cigarette Tax Increase Fails to Advance

    Nebraska Cigarette Tax Increase Fails to Advance

    A proposal to raise Nebraska’s cigarette tax and increase levies on vaping products failed to advance in the state legislature after a cloture motion to end debate fell short. Danielle Conrad led a two-day filibuster against Legislative Bill 1124, arguing the measure would place a disproportionate burden on lower-income residents, while a group of fiscal conservatives also opposed the bill on anti-tax grounds. The proposal would have raised the state cigarette tax from 64 cents to $1.64 per pack, potentially generating up to $50 million annually to help address Nebraska’s budget deficit.

    Supporters, including Appropriations Committee Chair Rob Clements, had promoted the measure as a revenue tool to offset rising Medicaid costs amid a projected budget shortfall of more than $100 million. A compromise amendment to remove the cigarette tax increase while retaining a higher tax on vape products — expected to generate about $6 million — was briefly adopted but ultimately voided after the cloture vote failed.