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Tag: ban

  • Hong Kong Expands No-Smoking Areas, Doubles Fines

    Hong Kong Expands No-Smoking Areas, Doubles Fines

    Hong Kong will double fines for smoking offences to HK$3,000 ($385) and expand no-smoking areas from January 1, 2026, under the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, the Department of Health said. The new rules ban smoking within three meters of entrances and exits to childcare centers, schools, hospitals, residential care homes, and specified clinics, and prohibit smoking while queuing, including at public transport boarding areas and outside designated premises.

    Authorities said enforcement and public education efforts have been stepped up at border checkpoints, tourist sites, and transport hubs. The measures are part of a phased rollout of tougher tobacco controls, following earlier steps such as higher penalties for illicit cigarettes and a ban on sales to under-18s, with a further ban on using alternative smoking products like e-cigarettes in public places set to take effect on April 30, 2026.

  • Malaysia Banning Vapes in 2026

    Malaysia Banning Vapes in 2026

    Malaysia is moving toward a nationwide ban on vaping, with the Health Ministry aiming to finalize and implement the policy by the end of 2026, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said. He said the Cabinet has already agreed in principle to ban vape products, stressing that the issue is no longer whether vaping will be banned, but when. The ministry is expected to bring the matter back to the Cabinet early next year to complete regulatory and legislative processes.

    Dzulkefly cited growing public health concerns, particularly cases of drug-induced psychosis linked to adulterated vape liquids and synthetic substances. He said such cases are being monitored by a special Health Ministry task group in collaboration with medical experts.

  • Mexico Debates Vaping Ban Amid Constitutional Reform

    Mexico Debates Vaping Ban Amid Constitutional Reform

    Mexico is moving toward a decisive stance on e-cigarettes and vaping as lawmakers prepare to define whether the industry will be regulated or banned. A recent constitutional reform, supported by most major parties, criminalizes the production, distribution, and sale of electronic cigarettes, vape devices, and unauthorized toxic substances. Movimiento Ciudadano remains the only party opposing the measure.

    The reform modifies Articles 4 and 5 of the Constitution and frames vaping alongside fentanyl misuse, prompting critics to argue that it reflects a global prohibitionist approach rather than a domestic evidence-based policy. Secondary legislation under the General Health Law will now determine the practical scope of the ban or regulation.

    Public health experts and advocacy groups, including the World Vapers’ Alliance, argue that intelligent regulation could reduce illicit trade, protect adult consumers, and generate significant tax revenue—estimated at up to MX$6.94 billion ($374.8 million) annually.

    The debate also highlights the potential for vaping technology in medical applications, such as inhaled drug delivery for conditions like asthma, migraines, and pain management, though regulatory and consumer acceptance challenges remain.

  • Czech Republic to Enforce Stricter E-Cigarette Rules

    Czech Republic to Enforce Stricter E-Cigarette Rules

    Beginning in December, the Czech Republic will implement tighter regulations on e-cigarettes, banning products containing sugar flavors or cannabinoids, with manufacturers having seven months to sell off existing stock.

    New rules also require clear labelling of nicotine content in milligrams per milliliter or micrograms per portion. Nicotine-containing products must carry warnings and a symbol indicating they are not suitable for under-18s, along with a Ministry of Health registration ID. Liquids may no longer contain mineral or vegetable oils, or fats, in addition to cannabinoids or sugar flavors.

    The regulations follow a study showing that almost 14% of the Czech population used e-cigarettes last year, with over a quarter of 15- to 24-year-olds reporting use.

  • Taiwan Allows Display of Legal Heated-Tobacco Devices

    Taiwan Allows Display of Legal Heated-Tobacco Devices

    Today (October 24), Taiwan’s Health Minister Shih Chung-liang said that licensed retailers may display legal heated tobacco devices to help consumers distinguish them from illegal products. The clarification follows earlier confusion from last week when the HPA incorrectly announced all displays were banned. Shih noted that the approved devices have passed safety and design reviews to avoid enticing youth, and retailers are allowed to use displays that show the brand and prices, but should not “promote” them. The ministry is also considering requiring warning labels on heating device packaging.

    Taiwan legalized heated tobacco in March 2023, with the first batch of 14 products and four component devices approved for sale in October 2025.

  • Vaping Advocates Say B.C.’s Bill 24 is ‘Irresponsible’

    Vaping Advocates Say B.C.’s Bill 24 is ‘Irresponsible’

    British Columbia’s proposed Bill 24, the Vaping Products Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act, is drawing sharp criticism from harm reduction advocates, medical experts, and the vaping industry, who argue the legislation could jeopardize one of the most effective tools to help smokers quit. The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) said the government failed to consult key stakeholders before introducing the measure, warning it could devastate small businesses and mislead the public.

    “Tobacco and opioids have been proven to kill and cause irreparable harm. Vaping has not killed a single Canadian,” said Sam Tam, president of the CVA. “It would be irresponsible for the B.C. government to require vaping companies, including trade associations, to pay a fabricated cost without considering their ability to help far more British Columbians.” 

    The bill would allow the province to recover healthcare costs from vaping manufacturers—treating regulated vaping products like tobacco and opioids—despite federal evidence showing that vaping is far less harmful than smoking.

  • Saudi Arabia Bans Tobacco Shops Near Schools and Mosques

    Saudi Arabia Bans Tobacco Shops Near Schools and Mosques

    Saudi Arabia has enacted a ban on tobacco shops within 500 meters of schools and mosques, according to the Saudi Gazette.

    The ban applies to all stores selling tobacco products and accessories, including cigarettes, shisha, and e-cigarettes. According to the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, obtaining a retail license for tobacco products requires a valid commercial registration, Civil Defense approval, and full compliance with the Municipal Licensing Procedures Law and its executive regulations.

    Tobacco products and their derivatives must also comply with the standard specifications approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). Prices for these products cannot be reduced, and they cannot be given as gifts, prizes, or free samples. Import, sale, or offer of any product advertising tobacco or its derivatives is banned.

    Requirements to sell tobacco in the kingdom are specific, involving spatial and architectural requirements and advertising requirements.

  • Bavaria Moves to Regulate Vape and Hookahs Like Traditional Cigarettes

    Bavaria Moves to Regulate Vape and Hookahs Like Traditional Cigarettes

    The Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) parliamentary group is pushing to extend strict tobacco regulations to e-cigarettes, e-hookahs, and tobacco heaters, all of which currently occupy a regulatory gray area. The proposed changes to the Bavarian Health Protection Act would eliminate that, having them treated like cigarettes and cannabis vaporizers, thereby banning them in restaurants, bars, schools, hospitals, sports facilities, and airports.

    The proposal reflects growing concern in Bavaria over the popularity of vaping and alternative nicotine products among youth and the need to align all inhaled nicotine products under the same safety and usage restrictions. The Greens have welcomed the initiative, calling for stronger protections for minors and support for comprehensive public health measures.

  • Study: Korean Tobacco Tax Hikes Lose Impact Within Four Months

    Study: Korean Tobacco Tax Hikes Lose Impact Within Four Months

    Cigarette tax hikes in South Korea only curbed smoking briefly, with sales rebounding to normal levels within four months, a new study found. The Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs reported yesterday (August 18) that demand for cigarettes is “highly inelastic,” with a 10% price rise cutting consumption by just 4.2–4.4%. Researchers said non-price measures like warning labels or e-cigarettes had little measurable impact.

    “Sudden hikes result in hoarding and brief behavioral change, but smokers adapt,” the report said. “Incremental increases aligned with inflation are more likely to gradually shift consumption patterns and reinforce anti-smoking behavior.”

  • France Announces Public Smoking Ban

    France Announces Public Smoking Ban

    Over the weekend, France officially banned smoking in public parks, beaches, bus shelters, and within 10 meters of schools, libraries, and swimming pools, as part of a push “to protect children from secondhand smoke and move toward a tobacco-free generation by 2032.”

    Effective June 29, the new law introduced fines of up to €700 for violations. Smoking is still allowed on bar and restaurant terraces, and electronic cigarettes remain exempt.

    Health Minister Catherine Vautrin said the ban is meant to ensure public spaces remain places to “play, learn, and breathe — not for smoking.” While many welcomed the move, some smokers and café associations criticized the exemption for terraces and the lack of clarity on vaping.