TobaccoReporter logo

Blog

  • Singapore Drastically Raising Vape Fines

    Singapore Drastically Raising Vape Fines

    Singapore’s government introduced sweeping amendments to its tobacco control laws that would sharply raise penalties for vaping-related offences and expand powers to tackle psychoactive substances. The Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) (Amendment) and Other Matters Bill, tabled on Feb 12, proposes renaming the law the Tobacco and Vaporizers Control Act and increase maximum fines for users from S$2,000 to S$10,000 ($1,560 to $7,800), S$200,000 ($156,000) and up to six years’ jail for sellers, and S$300,000 ($234,000) and up to nine years’ jail for smugglers. The move comes six months after authorities tightened enforcement, as more than 3,500 people were caught for vape possession and use in the final four months of 2025.

    The Bill also targets etomidate-laced vapes, or “Kpods,” by listing etomidate and its analogues as specified psychoactive substances, aligning penalties with those under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Etomidate was temporarily classified as a Class C drug from Sept 1, 2025, amid rising youth use, with the listing now extended to April 30 while legislative amendments are finalized. The proposed changes would allow for strict penalties — including imprisonment and caning for trafficking and smuggling — and apply extraterritorially to Singaporeans and permanent residents who commit offences overseas.

  • Spain’s PSOE Wants to Restrict Sale of Vapes, Pouches

    Spain’s PSOE Wants to Restrict Sale of Vapes, Pouches

    The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) submitted a non-legislative proposal in Congress to restrict the sale of vapes and nicotine pouches, according to Infosalus. The initiative seeks to ban online sales and prohibit their availability in non-specialized retail outlets, limiting distribution to authorized stores only. The move is part of a broader effort to curb consumption and protect public health, particularly among young people, by tightening control over access to these products.

    “The objective is to put an end to the current ‘lack of control’ in the marketing of these products, which, in its opinion, facilitates tax evasion and non-compliance with current health and environmental regulations,” Infosalus wrote.

  • Philippine Health Groups Want Full Tobacco, Vape Ban

    Philippine Health Groups Want Full Tobacco, Vape Ban

    Public health groups in the Philippines are urging the government to impose a total ban on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and other nicotine delivery systems, citing their health risks and rising youth uptake. The renewed push follows Myanmar becoming the eighth ASEAN country to enforce a vape ban, while Philippine lawmakers continue to debate tax rates for tobacco and vape products. Data show that around 14% of Filipino youth and 2% of adults use e-cigarettes.

    HealthJustice board member Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan said a comprehensive ban would offer the strongest public health protection, ensure regulatory clarity, and complement calls for higher, uniform tobacco taxes. Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo of SEATCA noted that a total ban would also help address tax administration challenges, curb illicit trade, and align with the Philippines’ obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

  • PMJ Launches First IQOS Capsule

    PMJ Launches First IQOS Capsule

    Philip Morris Japan launched its first capsule-equipped cigarette stick, the “Sentia Purple Capsule,” for the IQOS ILUMA heated tobacco series on March 2. Initially available at IQOS stores nationwide, the rollout at convenience stores and other tobacco retailers begins April 6, with the Nagoya IQOS store relocating on March 7.

    The capsule product features blueberry-flavored capsules with invigorating menthol, allowing users to release a burst of menthol and blueberry aroma by crushing the capsule. The product’s purple color reflects the blueberry inspiration. This addition brings the SENTIA lineup to 18 brands, including regular, menthol, flavored, and capsule variants.

    The price is 530 yen ($3.34) per 20-stick pack, rising to 570 yen ($3.59) from April 1. Daniel Sevsick, Philip Morris Japan’s portfolio marketing director, highlighted that this is SENTIA’s first menthol capsule product.

  • BAT and McLaren Collaborate on Limited Edition Glo

    BAT and McLaren Collaborate on Limited Edition Glo

    British American Tobacco Japan announced that it has teamed up with McLaren Racing to launch the “glo Hilo Plus McLaren Racing-inspired limited edition set,” available from March 3 at glo Store Ginza and glo’s online store.

    This premium collection features a limited-edition glo Hilo Plus device with McLaren’s signature papaya colors inside the device and on the charging case slide, along with exclusive glo and McLaren logos. The charging case also offers a rubberized grip for stability and a brushed metal finish that reflects motorsports engineering aesthetics.

    The set includes a special Alcantara sleeve, a limited-design charging dock, and a warranty card confirming its limited-edition status, all packaged in a dedicated box. It is priced at 30,000 yen ($189).

  • JTI Refreshes Nordic Spirit Look

    JTI Refreshes Nordic Spirit Look

    Today (March 3), JTI UK unveiled a refreshed brand identity for its Nordic Spirit nicotine pouches, introducing “striking new packaging” designed to enhance shelf visibility and provide clearer guidance for adult nicotine users. Inspired by the “North Star,” the updated packs — now live across JTI360 and rolling out in stores — feature Dry or Moist indicators for slower or faster nicotine release, alongside a six-dot strength system ranging from 6mg to 17mg. Each can contains 20 pouches and includes a compartment for used pouches, with recyclable polypropylene packaging.

    The refresh follows the launch of Nordic Spirit Frosty Mint Max and comes as the UK nicotine pouch category grows to £15.9 million per month. Brand Lead Manager James Richards said the redesign aims to improve shelf standout and help retailers better guide customers, while maintaining the same product quality and flavor range. The brand’s Moist Range was also named Product of the Year 2026 in the Nicotine Pouch category, marking its third major award in five years and reinforcing its position in the expanding UK market.

  • NSW Tops 100 Store Closures as New Tobacco Taxes Begin  

    NSW Tops 100 Store Closures as New Tobacco Taxes Begin  

    Authorities in Australia’s New South Wales have closed 105 tobacconist shops operating illegally since strengthened tobacco and vaping laws took effect in November 2025. In the past 10 days alone, 30 stores across multiple Local Health Districts were ordered to close for 90 days, with inspectors seizing about 700,000 illicit cigarettes and 3,900 illegal vapes. This comes as a federal tobacco excise increase takes effect today (March 3), raising concerns about a widening price gap between legal and illicit products.

    Under the new laws, NSW Health, supported by NSW Police, can impose 90-day closures on premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or operating without a license, while courts may issue long-term closures of up to one year. The legislation also introduces penalties of more than A$1.5 million ($1.1 million) and up to seven years’ imprisonment for possession or sale of commercial quantities of illicit tobacco, along with new offences and lease termination powers for landlords. Health Minister Ryan Park said enforcement would intensify with 30 additional inspectors added statewide, bringing the dedicated tobacco compliance team to 78 staff.

  • Bangladesh Questions Constitutionality of Vape Ban

    Bangladesh Questions Constitutionality of Vape Ban

    The High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh directed the government not to confiscate or seize vapes lawfully imported by 41 businessmen and issued a rule questioning the constitutionality of Section 6(Ga) of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005. The bench of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar asked authorities to explain why the provision, which restricts the manufacture, import, export, storage, sale, and promotion of electronic nicotine delivery systems, should not be declared unconstitutional and void.

    The order followed a writ petition filed by 41 traders, including Masud Uz Zaman, managing director of Vapor Cloud Ltd. Petitioners argued that Section 6(Ga) is discriminatory, banning vapes — described as a harm-reduction alternative — while permitting traditional cigarettes, allegedly violating the equality clause under Article 27 of the Constitution. The state was represented by the Deputy Attorney General during the hearing.

  • Turning Point Reports 31% Profit Increase for FY25

    Turning Point Reports 31% Profit Increase for FY25

    Turning Point Brands, Inc. reported strong growth in Q4 2025, driven by its Modern Oral category, which saw net sales surge 266% to $41.3 million, now accounting for 34% of total company net sales compared with 12% in Q4 2024. Total consolidated net sales rose 29.2% to $121.0 million, with Stoker’s segment up 69.5% and Zig-Zag segment down 12.8%. Adjusted EBITDA increased 14% to $30.0 million, while net income climbed 239.8% to $8.2 million. For the full year, consolidated net sales rose 28.4% to $463.1 million, with net income up 46.1% to $58.2 million and adjusted EBITDA up 14.4% to $119.5 million. CEO Graham Purdy highlighted strong performance from FRE and ALP brands, emphasizing Modern Oral as a key driver for long-term category share growth while legacy brands continue to generate reliable cash flows.

    The company said it is well-prepared for FY 2026, expecting Modern Oral gross revenue of $220–$240 million and net revenue of $180–$190 million, with Q1 2026 adjusted EBITDA projected at $24–$27 million, inclusive of marketing and trade investments. Stoker’s segment continues to lead sales at 67% of the total, driven by triple-digit Modern Oral growth, while Zig-Zag’s 33% contribution reflects declines due to the planned wind-down of Clipper products. TPB has strengthened operational systems, including digital tracking and FDA compliance support, and maintains liquidity of $290.1 million, comprising $222.8 million in cash and $68.1 million in asset-backed credit.

  • Ethical Holdings to Produce 8M Cigarettes per Month

    Ethical Holdings to Produce 8M Cigarettes per Month

    Zimbabwe’s Ethical Holdings will begin producing cigarettes under a toll manufacturing arrangement with a Chinese partner, a move aimed at boosting local beneficiation and maximizing export earnings from the golden leaf. The initiative aligns with the government’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, which emphasizes shifting from raw leaf exports to high-value local manufacturing.

    Already a major player in tobacco farming and leaf processing, Ethical Holdings will produce 8 million sticks per month, marking its transition into a fully integrated tobacco company controlling the full value chain from primary production and auctioning to finished products. General Manager Tendai Ngongoni said the move supports national value-addition goals.