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Tag: vape regulations

  • Alabama Denies Injunction Fighting Vape Regulatory Laws

    Alabama Denies Injunction Fighting Vape Regulatory Laws

    The Alabama Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s decision denying a preliminary injunction against the state’s 2025 law regulating electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), allowing the law to remain in effect while litigation continues. The court ruled that the Vapor Technology Association and retailer Southside Vape had standing to challenge the law, but were unlikely to succeed on their claims that it is preempted by federal law or violates the dormant Commerce Clause.

    The justices found that the federal Tobacco Control Act preserves states’ authority to regulate the sale and distribution of tobacco products more stringently than federal requirements, and that Alabama’s restrictions serve a legitimate public health purpose rather than unlawfully discriminating against interstate or foreign commerce. The law establishes certification requirements, fees, and an ENDS product directory, with penalties for retailers selling products not listed on the state-approved directory.

  • West Virginia Begins Implementing Vape Safety Act

    West Virginia Begins Implementing Vape Safety Act

    West Virginia will begin implementing its Vape Safety Act today (June 11), introducing new labeling requirements for vapor products sold by vape and smoke shops statewide. Under the law, products must display health warnings, age restrictions, manufacturer information, and ingredient disclosures. The legislation also establishes a licensing framework for retailers, with businesses required to obtain a state license before July 1 for the 2026–27 licensing period. Unlicensed operators face penalties of up to $10,000 and one year in prison.

    The measure is the first phase of a broader regulatory regime aimed at reducing youth vaping and increasing oversight of nicotine products. Additional restrictions taking effect in 2027 will prohibit packaging and marketing that references candy, uses cartoons or mimics consumer products, while new advertising rules will sharply limit retailer promotions and storefront signage. State officials said the law responds to concerns over youth-oriented vape marketing, noting that 27.5% of West Virginia high school students report current e-cigarette use, well above the national average.

  • Namibia Moves to Tighten Regs on Vapes, Alternative Products

    Namibia Moves to Tighten Regs on Vapes, Alternative Products

    Namibia is reviewing its Tobacco Products Control Act to strengthen oversight of e-cigarettes and other emerging nicotine products, amid rising youth usage and concerns over weak enforcement. Health officials say the reforms aim to close regulatory gaps and curb illicit trade, with plans to join international protocols targeting the black market. Public health experts warn that aggressive marketing and perceptions of reduced harm are driving uptake among young people. At the same time, authorities acknowledge ongoing challenges in enforcement and compliance as demand for vaping products continues to grow.

  • 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.