Tag: restrictions

Mexico Committee Criminalizes Vape Sales

A congressional committee in Mexico approved an initiative that would impose prison sentences of one to eight years and fines of roughly 11,000 to 226,000 pesos ($594 to $12,204) for the “marketing and promotion of vapes and electronic cigarettes.” The ruling advanced with 27 votes in favor, eight against and one abstention, amid procedural complaints from opposition lawmakers.

Opposition parties—PAN, PRI, and Movimiento Ciudadano—rejected criminal sanctions for people who purchase or possess vaping products, arguing the measure effectively criminalizes users and risks expanding the black market. PRI deputy Ana Isabel González warned that pushing vape sales underground would place youth at greater risk.

Movimiento Ciudadano lawmakers went further, calling the proposal “one of the most punitive rulings” to date. Deputy Juan Ignacio Zavala noted that the initiative allows prison time even for those who acquire an e-cigarette. His colleague Amancay González argued that sentences of up to eight years would exceed penalties for selling drugs like cocaine.

But Morena deputy Fernando Castro defended the reform, insisting it targets clandestine sellers rather than consumers and seeks to protect public health.

The initiative now proceeds to the Lower House’s Board of Directors for further discussion.

November 27, 2025
Luxembourg Tightens Rules on Tobacco Products, Pulls Pouches In

Luxembourg’s Chamber of Deputies adopted Bill No. 8333 on tobacco control yesterday (October 31), introducing stricter regulations for both traditional and emerging nicotine products. While the law transposes EU Directive 2022/2100, its most notable feature is the formal inclusion of nicotine pouches under tobacco-style rules, a category previously unregulated. Health authorities have welcomed the measure, whereas business groups have expressed concerns over potential economic impacts.

Under the new law, nicotine pouches are now subject to advertising bans, sales restrictions to minors, labelling and notification requirements, and a strict nicotine cap of 0.048 mg per pouch or per gram. Additives such as caffeine and CBD are also prohibited. The use of these products will be restricted in public spaces, particularly in areas frequented by young people. These measures aim to curb access and prevent the perception of nicotine pouches as harmless alternatives.

The new bill also “bans flavorings for heated tobacco products and requires health warnings on their packaging. It also sets out the rules for the labelling, presentation, and marketing of these products, including electronic cigarettes and nicotine-free liquids. Vending machines will now have to display health warnings and will no longer be allowed to display promotional graphics. Cigarette packs may only be sold in multiples of five, a measure aimed at limiting fragmented sales and making consumption less accessible to younger people,” according to Delano.

Public health organizations hailed the legislation as a necessary step to protect youth and curb addiction; however, the Chamber of Commerce criticized the rules as overly restrictive, warning that the low nicotine limit could function as a de facto ban, potentially fostering black market sales and cross-border purchases. The law will take effect on the first day of the month following its publication in the Journal Officiel, with vending machine display requirements delayed by three months.

October 31, 2025
Ireland Approves E-Cigarette Rules
Photo: Josemaria Toscano | Adobe Stock

Ireland Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Minister for Public Health Frank Feighan received government approval to introduce additional restrictions on the sale and advertising of nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes, according to Gov.ie.
Under the new proposals, the sale of e-cigarettes and related vaping products will be prohibited from self-service vending machines, from temporary or mobile premises and at places or events for children. In addition, advertisements for e-cigarettes will be prohibited on public transport, in cinemas and near schools.
“These measures are designed to protect our children and young people from starting to vape,” said Donnelly. “We recognize that nicotine is a highly addictive drug, and we are acting today to make these products less accessible to our young people and to remove the advertising for these products from our children’s everyday lives.”
The proposals will be incorporated into the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill, which is currently being drafted. The bill is expected to be finalized and published by year end. The legislation will be designed to regulate any product that can be used for the consumption of nicotine-containing vapor or any component of that product.
The bill already contains measures to ban the sale of nicotine inhaling products to those under the age of 18 and to introduce a licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products. Other measures contained in the bill include:
prohibiting the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products by persons under 18 years of age;
prohibiting the sale of tobacco products from self-service vending machines, from temporary or mobile units and at events or locations for children;
introducing minimum suspension periods for retailers convicted of offenses; and
introducing fixed penalty notices for offenses.
Feighan welcomed the government’s approval of the measures.
“Tobacco smoking continues to kill approximately 4,500 people in our country each year,” he said. “We recognize that nicotine inhaling products are used by some adult smokers to assist them to quit tobacco smoking. However, we are clear that these products are of no benefit to our children and young people or to nonsmokers, and that is why we are taking this action today.”
November 28, 2022