Author: Emily Carter

New, stricter regulations on electronic cigarettes have come into effect in the Czech Republic as of December 1st. The updated rules introduce rigorous standards for labeling, packaging, and product composition, aiming to address the rapid rise in vaping, particularly among young people. Businesses have been granted a seven-month transition period to sell off existing non-compliant stock. Under the new legislation, all vaping products—including nicotine-free varieties—must now display standardized health warnings and clear information on nicotine content. To reduce their appeal to minors, e-cigarettes can no longer resemble food items, cosmetics, or toys. Furthermore, the regulations prohibit specific ingredients in refills,…

The French Senate has voted against introducing an excise tax on e-cigarette liquids within the 2026 budget framework, rejecting a government proposal that would have levied fees on vaping products. On December 1st, senators from across the political spectrum opposed the measure, which aimed to tax liquids at 30 cents per 10ml bottle (for up to 15mg nicotine) and 50 cents for stronger concentrations. Lawmakers argued that taxing a product used by 4 million French citizens for smoking cessation sends a "very bad message for public health." Senator David Margueritte (LR) warned it could hinder the documented trend of smokers…

New Zealand's latest youth survey reveals a significant public health victory: vaping rates among school-aged teenagers have plummeted, while daily smoking has become nearly negligible. Figures released on November 30, 2025, show that the proportion of Year 10 students (ages 14-15) vaping at least monthly has halved from its peak. Daily vaping in this group has also dropped to approximately 7.1%, down from roughly 10.1% in 2022. Meanwhile, daily cigarette smoking among Year 10s sits at a negligible 1%. These trends suggest that strengthened regulations—such as age limits, packaging rules, and retail restrictions—alongside shifting social norms, are effectively reversing the…

Uzbekistan has officially implemented a comprehensive ban on the circulation of electronic cigarettes and other nicotine delivery systems. Signed into law by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the new legislation prohibits the purchase, sale, production, import, export, and storage of vapes and their liquids. Violators face severe criminal penalties, ranging from substantial fines (approx. 1.4 million rubles equivalent) to corrective labor or imprisonment for three to five years. However, first-time offenders who voluntarily surrender their devices and admit guilt may be exempted from liability. This move places Uzbekistan among 32 countries worldwide that have enacted total bans, including India, Brazil, Mexico, and…

The Perm region in Russia is set to implement a ban on the sale of vapes effective March 1, 2026. The initiative, proposed by Governor Dmitry Makhonin, has been approved in two readings by the regional Legislative Assembly. Violations of the ban will incur fines ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 rubles for officials and 50,000 to 100,000 rubles for legal entities. This move follows a broader trend in Russia, where President Vladimir Putin recently granted regions the authority to completely prohibit vape sales. Similarly, the Saratov region has passed a law, also effective March 1, 2026, banning minors from entering…

In her Autumn Budget, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed significant tax increases for tobacco and vaping products as part of the Labour government's strategy to address a £40 billion fiscal deficit. Tobacco duty will rise by the Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation rate plus 2%, effective from 6pm on November 26, 2025. Additionally, a one-off increase of £2.20 per 100 cigarettes or 50g of tobacco will take effect from October 1, 2026. A new flat-rate excise duty on vaping liquids was also confirmed. Starting October 1, 2026, a levy of £2.20 per 10ml will apply to all vaping liquids. This…

The United Kingdom is on the cusp of a legislative revolution in public health. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently under rigorous scrutiny in the House of Lords committee stage, represents one of the most significant interventions in the retail and hospitality sectors in decades. With its dual aim of creating a "smoke-free generation" and tightening the reins on the rapidly evolving vaping market, the Bill promises to reshape the operational landscape for a wide range of businesses—from the local high street convenience store to the luxury hotel lobby shop and duty-paid outlet. As peers examine each clause, retailers must…

For decades, the cigarette seemed destined for the ash heap of history. Relegated to designated outdoor areas, hidden from screens, and plastered with graphic health warnings, smoking became the embarrassing habit of a bygone era. Public health campaigns, taxation, and smoke-free laws successfully drove smoking rates to historic lows. Yet, a disturbing shift is underway. Cigarettes are creeping back into the cultural zeitgeist, wrapped in a haze of nostalgia, celebrity glamour, and a seductive "retro cool" that has health experts sounding the alarm for a new generation. From Health Hazard to Emotional Prop As reported by the Wall Street Journal,…

The German federal government has announced plans to legally ban disposable e-cigarettes, addressing a long-standing demand from Environmental Action Germany (Deutsche Umwelthilfe). This intention was revealed during Bundesrat discussions on the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act. While the government believes such a ban requires prior approval from the European Commission, environmental advocates are urging immediate action. A broad alliance of health, child protection, environmental, and waste management organizations supports the ban. The primary concerns are multifaceted: these single-use products burden the environment, and improperly disposed batteries frequently cause fires. Additionally, the colorful designs and flavors like "Lollipop" or "Popcorn" are…

In a landmark decision, the Higher Regional Court (Oberlandesgericht) of Cologne has ruled that operating an e-cigarette with a touchscreen while driving falls under the same legal restrictions as using a mobile phone. The verdict (Az. III-1 ORbs 139/25) means drivers who adjust settings on modern vape devices via a display risk significant fines. The case involved a driver observed by police on the autobahn tapping on a device. Officers initially assumed he was using a smartphone and issued a fine. However, the man was actually adjusting the vapor strength on his e-cigarette using its integrated touchscreen. Despite his defense,…