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Tag: vape

  • Russia to Require Licenses for Tobacco and Vape Sales From 2026

    Russia to Require Licenses for Tobacco and Vape Sales From 2026

    The Russian government approved a bill that will require licenses for the sale of all cigarettes and vaping products beginning March 1, 2026, in a bid to tighten market oversight and curb youth consumption. The bill now moves to the State Duma for debate and adoption.

    The law, modeled on alcohol industry rules, will mandate licenses for wholesale, retail, and delivery sales, with penalties including license revocation for violations such as selling to minors. Authorities are also weighing tougher measures, including mandatory registration in the national “Chestny Znak” digital tracking system and criminal liability for large-scale illegal trade.

  • South Korea Moving Toward Regulating Vapes Like Cigarettes

    South Korea Moving Toward Regulating Vapes Like Cigarettes

    South Korea is moving to classify synthetic nicotine as tobacco under the Tobacco Business Act, subjecting e-cigarettes to the same regulations and taxes as traditional cigarettes for the first time. A subcommittee of the National Assembly’s Strategy and Finance Committee approved the revision on Monday, expanding the definition of tobacco from “tobacco leaf” to “tobacco or nicotine.”

    If passed in the main session, the measure would generate an estimated 930 billion won ($646 million) annually in new tax revenue, lawmakers said. Synthetic nicotine has until now been treated as an industrial good, free from tobacco levies and restrictions. The bill, which includes a two-year grace period on retail restrictions, marks the first change to the act’s tobacco definition since its enactment in 1988.

  • Dutch Schools Sound Alarm Over Dangerous Rise in Illegal THC Vapes

    Dutch Schools Sound Alarm Over Dangerous Rise in Illegal THC Vapes

    Dutch schools are reporting a surge in dangerous incidents linked to illegal THC vapes laced with synthetic drugs, raising alarms among health experts and government officials. The devices, often sold through Snapchat and delivered directly to schools, are marketed as cannabis vapes, but lab tests revealed they almost always contain synthetic cannabinoids, known as “spice,” which can trigger severe side effects such as anxiety, heart palpitations, psychosis, and collapse. These substances have been banned in the Netherlands under the Opium Act since July.

    Addiction specialists warn the problem is spreading beyond Amsterdam to Utrecht, Amersfoort, and other regions. Major addiction clinics and the Trimbos Institute confirmed rising reports of students suffering health issues from THC vaping.

  • Thailand Police Seize $2.8M in Illegal E-Cigarettes

    Thailand Police Seize $2.8M in Illegal E-Cigarettes

    Police and excise officials seized more than 559,000 illegal e-cigarettes and related parts during a raid in Wiharn Daeng district, Saraburi, Thailand. The announcement came at a press conference today (September 10), led by Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiewphan, one day after the operation.

    Trairong said cybercrime officers tracked a suspected pickup truck from Bangkok to a warehouse in Moo 4 village, Tambon Bang Lam. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 138,680 disposable INFY vapes, 40,800 disposable Escobar vapes, 374,000 pod heads for INFY devices, and 6,350 INFY vapes. The haul is valued at an estimated 90 million baht ($2.8 million).

  • Reign Bar Debuts Mana 50K at CHAMPS Austin

    Reign Bar Debuts Mana 50K at CHAMPS Austin

    At the CHAMPS Tradeshow in Austin, Texas, today (September 9), Vape brand Reign Bar launched Mana 50K, a disposable device that, according to the company, features “the industry’s first visible e-liquid tank and dual sweetness-ice adjustment.” Dubbed the “Specs Terminator,” the product delivers up to 50,000 puffs with consistent output.

    Equipped with a high-power mesh coil, smart display controls, adjustable power, sweetness, and ice intensity, Reign says “Mana 50K addresses demand for customizable, anxiety-free vaping.” The device debuted with 10 fruit-flavor blends.

  • Concerns Rise Over ‘Vitamin Vapes’ Trend

    Concerns Rise Over ‘Vitamin Vapes’ Trend

    The Straits Times in Singapore reported today (September 5) that “vitamin diffusers,” which it says are being marketed aggressively by social media influencers in the UK, Australia, and the United States, are making their way to Southern Asia. Online sellers are promoting them as a wellness-focused alternative to e-cigarettes, but health experts caution that their chemical content is unknown and potentially hazardous.

    Touted as energy boosters, the devices are filled with additives such as caffeine, vitamin B12, essential oils, and even melatonin. Researchers say the trend represents a new phase of misleading advertising.

  • 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.

  • UWELL Launches Caliburn G4 Classic

    UWELL Launches Caliburn G4 Classic

    UWELL announced the global launch of the Caliburn G4 Classic, marking a decade of innovation in pod system design. “The new model combines aerospace-grade materials, precision engineering, and next-generation performance features aimed at delivering a premium vaping experience,” the company said.

    According to the company, among its features is a dual-sensor system that delivers 99.999% trigger accuracy and extends auto-draw durability by more than 300%. The device is powered by a 1400mAh battery with a maximum 35W output, paired with UWELL’s Pro-FOCS 4.0 Flavor Technology for improved taste reproduction. Additional safeguards include anti-leak technology and a transparent e-liquid window. The G4 Classic also introduces dynamic ambient lighting, with 14 RGB LEDs that respond to user interaction and display real-time battery levels.

    The device is compatible with UWELL’s GPP cartridges, including upgraded models designed for easier refilling and improved ergonomics.

  • Panama Begins Strict Vape Regulations Today

    Panama Begins Strict Vape Regulations Today

    Panama’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) announced that new rules governing the sale, promotion, and use of electronic cigarettes—both with and without nicotine—take effect today (August 13). The regulations, aimed at protecting public health and youth, ban vaping in all smoke-free areas, prohibit sales to minors, and outlaw all advertising and promotion. Products must be stored out of public view, with only closed displays allowed for the first two years. Violations can result in confiscation and fines, with health and customs authorities tasked with enforcement.

  • VOOPOO Unveils “Futuristic” ARGUS Matrix

    VOOPOO Unveils “Futuristic” ARGUS Matrix

    VOOPOO launched what it calls the company’s most advanced pod device yet: the ARGUS Matrix, “a bold leap into the future of vape design and performance.”

    VOOPOO says the ARGUS Matrix features the “world’s first curved full-screen display on a pod system, creating a cyber-futuristic visual experience that’s as immersive as it is stylish,” using enhanced IML film technology and dynamic lighting that mimics circuit boards.

    According to the company, the Matrix delivers substance through iCOSM CODE 2.0 technology in the ARGUS Top Fill Cartridge V2, “ensuring leak-proof usage and up to 30 days of consistent flavor delivery. With a 100 mL e-liquid endurance capacity, it’s designed for convenience and longevity.” Vapers can fine-tune their experience with adjustable wattage (up to 30 W), a 1350 mAh battery, and a three-level precision airflow system that caters to both MTL and RDL users.

    Fully compatible with the ARGUS Pod Family, the Matrix offers seamless cartridge switching, blending style with versatility.