Author: moonswamp

As of 2025, the European vaping landscape presents a complex regulatory environment with significant variations across countries. While the European Union's Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) establishes baseline requirements, many member states have implemented additional restrictions that range from moderate limitations to near-complete bans. This report examines the current regulatory framework at both the EU level and within individual countries, highlighting recent developments and emerging trends in European vape legislation. The European Union Tobacco Products Directive Framework The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), also known as the European Tobacco Products Directive (EUTPD) (2014/40/EU), serves as the foundational regulatory framework for vaping products…

As the June 1st deadline for the UK's disposable vape ban looms, researchers from University College London (UCL) have cautioned that the measure may have a limited effect on overall e-cigarette use. The warning comes amid a study that highlights a shift in consumer behavior, with more vapers opting for refillable and reusable devices since the ban was announced in January 2024. Vaping Trends and the Potential Impact of the Ban The UCL study, funded by Cancer Research UK, analyzed data from the Smoking Toolkit Study, an ongoing survey of adults in England, Wales, and Scotland. Researchers examined responses from…

A new report predicts severe economic consequences if the UK government's proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill, championed by Labour leader Keir Starmer, becomes law. The study warns that the bill's core element – a generational sales ban (GSB) on tobacco – could force 7,700 corner shops and off-licences to close and eliminate 70,100 retail jobs over the next three decades. The report, "The Backbone of the UK Under Attack" by Dr. Maged Ali of the University of Essex, argues the GSB, which incrementally raises the legal smoking age annually, will significantly harm small retailers already grappling with cost-of-living pressures. Dr.…

Switzerland's Council of States committee has taken a significant step towards banning the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes, also known as "puff bars." The Committee for Social Security and Health (SGK-S) voted 9 to 2 in favor of a motion previously adopted by the National Council, which calls for a prohibition on the sale of these products. The committee's decision was driven by concerns over the growing popularity of disposable e-cigarettes, particularly among young people. The relatively low prices, attractive flavors, and appealing designs of these products are seen as contributing factors to their potential for addiction. In 2022 alone,…

Belgium has introduced a new law that prohibits the display of cigarettes and other tobacco products in shops, effective from Tuesday. The measure is part of a broader policy program aimed at reducing tobacco use and ultimately achieving a smoke-free generation by 2040. Under the new regulations, supermarkets and shops larger than 400 square meters are completely banned from selling cigarettes. The move is intended to limit the visibility of addictive products and curb impulse purchases. Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, who is overseeing the program, clarified that while the display ban is in effect, it does not constitute a…

According to a recent survey by Rosstat, the Russian Federal State Statistics Service, the number of heavy smokers in Russia has reached a record low. The survey, which summarized data from 2024, revealed that among all tobacco consumers, only 40% smoke about a pack of cigarettes a day, down from 46.7% in 2022. Overall, 25.5% of Russian citizens currently smoke, compared to 26.1% two years ago. Additionally, 9.5% of respondents reported having quit smoking, while 7.7% do not smoke every day. The survey also found that 4.4% of nicotine consumers smoke more than a pack of cigarettes per day, 35.6%…

As of April 01, Spain has introduced a new indirect tax on e-liquid used in electronic cigarettes. The tax aims to equalize the taxation of e-liquid with that of tobacco products and help reduce consumption. Under the new tax, e-liquid containing less than 15 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter will be taxed at €0.15 per milliliter. If the nicotine content is higher, the tax will increase to €0.20 per milliliter. The implementation of the new tax was initially planned for January 1st but was postponed until April 1st to provide affected parties with time to adapt to the new tax…

The State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, has approved a bill in its first reading that aims to completely ban the sale of vapes and cigarettes via the internet. Although a ban is already in place, loopholes in the current legislation have allowed sales to continue through social networks, instant messaging platforms, and certain websites. According to the Duma, these online channels have become major distributors of illegal and often counterfeit nicotine products, making them accessible even to minors. The new bill seeks to close these loopholes by introducing extra-judicial blocking of websites and channels that violate the ban.…

The Tobacco Control Research Group (TCRG) has published a new paper that sheds light on how the tobacco and nicotine industries responded to the UK's Tobacco and Vapes Bill during the 2023/24 policymaking process. The researchers analyzed 43 documents from 33 organizations and individuals, with a significant portion originating from transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) or organizations with current or historic ties to TTCs. This groundbreaking research is the first to examine the industries' reaction to the bill, which, if implemented, would make the UK the first country to introduce a generational sales ban on tobacco products and impose strict regulations…

The Egyptian Ministry of Finance has announced an increase in the price of tax stamps on imported alcoholic beverages and local and imported cigarette and tobacco products, set to take effect on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. According to Ibrahim Embaby, Head of the Tobacco Division, the banderole price on alcoholic beverages will rise by 25 piastres, from 75 piastres to 1 pound. The banderole price on local and imported cigarette and tobacco products will increase by 5 piastres, from 15 piastres to 20 piastres per stamp. Despite the tax stamp price hike, Embaby confirmed that the prices of cigarettes and…