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Tag: vape ban

  • Ireland Called to Consider Australian-Style Vape Ban

    Ireland Called to Consider Australian-Style Vape Ban

    Calls to restrict vape sales to pharmacies have resurfaced in Ireland after a regional health forum asked the Health Service Executive to study whether an Australia-style model could curb youth vaping. At the HSE South-West Regional Health Forum, councilors from multiple parties backed a motion from Cork City South East Councilor Peter Horgan, urging research into the potential benefits and drawbacks of limiting vape sales to pharmacy-only settings. The proposal follows mounting concern over youth use, with estimates suggesting one in five 15–16 year olds now vape, and ongoing criticism of brightly colored devices and sweet flavors seen as appealing to children.

    Supporters of the motion pointed to Australia’s 2024 shift to pharmacy-only sales for all vaping products as a possible template, arguing that higher prices and restricted access there may have reduced affordability for young people despite illicit trade challenges. HSE representatives highlighted existing national campaigns aimed at parents, schools and teenagers, including peer-led education and the “Take a Breath” initiative launched in 2025. The forum agreed to seek national HSE funding for a feasibility study, with the intention of using the findings to inform future policy discussions at the government level.

  • Azerbaijan Bans E-Cigarettes

    Azerbaijan Bans E-Cigarettes

    Azerbaijan banned the import, export, production, storage, sale, and use of electronic cigarettes and their components from April 1, under amendments to the tobacco law approved by President Ilham Aliyev. The changes classify nicotine-containing e-cigarettes as tobacco products and define them as devices for inhaling nicotine or nicotine-free vapor, while explicitly excluding heated tobacco products from this category.

    Amendments to the administrative code set fines for violations at 350–500 manats ($206 to $294) for individuals, 1,650–2,200 manats ($971 to $1.294) for officials, and 4,000–5,000 manats ($2.353 to $2.941) for legal entities. Heated tobacco products are defined separately as items that generate a nicotine-containing aerosol through heating without combustion or smoke.

  • Bangladesh Reversing Vape Ban

    Bangladesh Reversing Vape Ban

    Bangladesh is preparing amendments to its anti-tobacco ordinance that would withdraw the ban on the production, import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems, and remove restrictions on displaying tobacco products at points of sale. The ordinance, approved in December 2025 by the interim government, expanded the definition of tobacco products and introduced penalties for activities involving e-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products, and similar devices. These included jail terms, fines, seizure of goods, and possible license revocation for companies.

    The proposed changes follow recommendations from a parliamentary special committee reviewing 133 ordinances, with the health ministry drafting amendments to omit the relevant provisions for submission to the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. Health Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury said the ministry would act in accordance with the committee’s recommendations regarding the ordinances under its jurisdiction.

  • Russia Moves Toward Ban on E-Cigarettes and Vapes

    Russia Moves Toward Ban on E-Cigarettes and Vapes

    Yesterday (March 25), Russia’s State Commission for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Industrial Products, chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, backed a proposal to fully ban the production, import, and sale of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and refill liquids. Sources told Vedomosti that the next step will be drafting a bill, with authors likely to include State Duma deputies, the Ministry of Health, or the Ministry of Industry and Trade. A specific list of devices to be banned, potentially including e-hookahs and electronic pipes, will be finalized after further discussion.

    President Vladimir Putin has previously expressed support for restrictions. However, experts warn that a ban could fuel Russia’s already large gray market, which accounts for roughly 68% of e-cigarette sales, potentially undermining enforcement. In 2024, the Russian e-cigarette market was estimated at over 250 billion rubles ($3 billion), with more than 245 million devices sold and 1.2 million liters of liquids produced for retail.

    While the ban’s official legislation is still pending, the State Commission’s approval marks a significant step toward stricter regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems in Russia.

  • Belgium Health Minister Wants EU to Tighten Vape Regs

    Belgium Health Minister Wants EU to Tighten Vape Regs

    Belgium’s Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke called on the European Union to tighten regulations on vaping, citing rising health risks and accusing the e-cigarette industry of targeting young people. Speaking during a visit by EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath to Sciensano in Brussels, Vandenbroucke urged stricter EU-wide limits on substances in e-cigarettes, a ban on disposable vapes, and restrictions on flavors, mirroring measures already in place in Belgium and the Netherlands.

    McGrath emphasized the scale of the issue and the need for stronger coordination and the use of scientific research across member states. The European Commission is expected to propose updated market surveillance rules later this year.

  • Russia Announces Imminent Regs on Vape Products

    Russia Announces Imminent Regs on Vape Products

    Russia is expected to introduce legislation in the coming months to license the circulation of vape products, as authorities seek to address a market widely affected by counterfeit nicotine products. According to lawmaker Alexander Tolmachev, many products contain significantly higher nicotine levels than declared and often lack transparent ingredient information, underscoring the need for tighter oversight.

    The proposed licensing regime is intended to restore control over the market, alongside broader efforts to eliminate illicit products and standardize vape packaging with health warnings similar to those required for cigarettes. The move comes amid wider regulatory tightening, including new measures targeting youth health protection, restrictions on advertising, and enhanced enforcement against illegal online tobacco sales.

  • EU Approves Bulgaria’s Vape Ban

    EU Approves Bulgaria’s Vape Ban

    The European Commission approved Bulgaria’s legislation banning the marketing, sale, and distribution of disposable e-cigarettes, triggering a three-month phase-out period for existing products on the market. The decision, issued under the EU Tobacco Products Directive framework, concludes that the measure is justified, necessary, and proportionate to protect public health, particularly in response to rising youth vaping rates. Bulgarian authorities cited data showing that one in four students aged 13–15 use vapes, alongside concerns over youth-targeted product design, nicotine-related health risks, and environmental harm from disposable devices.

    With the approval in place, Bulgaria will proceed with implementation, requiring retailers to clear inventory within the transition period or remove products from sale, with the option to export remaining stock. The move follows similar actions by other EU countries and reflects growing regional momentum toward stricter regulation of disposable e-cigarettes as policymakers seek to curb underage use and limit nicotine addiction among younger populations.

  • Philippines Cracking Down on Flavored Vape Products

    Philippines Cracking Down on Flavored Vape Products

    Philippine regulators have intensified enforcement against illegal vape products, with the Department of Trade and Industry stating that flavored products appealing to minors — such as those with dessert or cartoon-themed descriptors — have failed the government’s licensing process and are therefore considered smuggled. Under Republic Act 11900, only plain tobacco and menthol flavors are permitted, alongside strict rules on marketing and youth access. Authorities reported a sharp rise in seizures of illicit vape products, reaching P519 million ($8.8 million) in 2024, highlighting the scale of non-compliance in the market.

    Enforcement efforts have expanded to include coordinated raids, online monitoring, and legal action against major digital platforms such as Meta, Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok for allegedly enabling the promotion of unlicensed products. Regulators warn that continued non-cooperation could result in stricter penalties, including potential shutdowns, as the government pushes to tighten compliance through licensing requirements for vape sales and advertising.

  • Panama Moves to Consolidate Vape Regulations

    Panama Moves to Consolidate Vape Regulations

    Panamanian authorities are working to unify three legislative proposals into a single regulation aimed at restricting the use, advertising, and commercialization of e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and heated tobacco products. The bills — 263, 347, and 467 — address prohibitions in public and private spaces, product marketing, quality, safety, and taxation of vaping devices. The initiative follows previous legal challenges, including the 2025 regulatory framework by the Ministry of Health, which focused on protecting minors while allowing controlled commercialization, and the earlier Law 315, struck down by Panama’s Supreme Court. Authorities, including the National Customs and Ministry of Health, stress enforcement, traceability, and public health.

  • Macau Proposes Tougher E-Cigarette, Tobacco Rules

    Macau Proposes Tougher E-Cigarette, Tobacco Rules

    The Health Bureau (SSM) unveiled five proposals to strengthen Macau’s Smoking Prevention and Control Law, targeting youth and emerging products. Key measures include banning public possession of e-cigarettes, prohibiting nicotine pouches, shisha, and herbal cigarettes, and introducing standardized packaging with 85% health warnings.

    The proposals, aimed at curbing smuggling and teen appeal, also allow frontline monitors to use body cameras during inspections and open a public consultation period from March 8 to April 8. The SSM emphasized that these measures build on the 2012 law and the 2018 amendments to protect public health.