Author: moonswamp

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,…

The prevalence of smoking among adults in Russia has dropped by more than half over the past 16 years, according to the Ministry of Health. In 2009, approximately 40% of the adult population consumed tobacco, a figure that has fallen to 18.7% in 2024. Youth smoking rates have also seen a significant decline, dropping from 27.3% in 2004 to 12.1% in 2021 for the 13-15 age group. The Ministry attributes this success to robust state anti-tobacco policies. Despite these gains, experts warn against complacency. Elena Reznik from Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University noted that the decline has plateaued over…

The Irish Government has officially approved the publication and enactment of the Public Health (Single Use Vapes) Bill 2025, a significant legislative move aimed at prohibiting the retail sale of single-use or disposable vapes. Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill T.D., secured the approval, prioritizing the protection of children from nicotine addiction. In addition to the ban on disposables, the Minister received authorization to develop laws prohibiting the sale of other nicotine products, such as pouches, to minors. This future legislation will also ban the advertising of these products in all retail outlets and restrict their display in mixed retail…

The Belgian government is moving to prohibit all e-cigarette flavors with the exception of tobacco, aiming to curb nicotine addiction among young people. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke stated that flavored vapes are deliberately designed to attract children and mask the potential harms of vaping. This decision aligns with an updated stance from the Superior Health Council, which now supports stricter limitations. While previously cautious about a total flavor ban, the Council argues that protecting youth outweighs the potential benefits of flavors for adult smokers seeking to quit. Recent national surveys reveal a sharp rise in vaping among Belgian schoolchildren, with…

Russian lawmakers are advancing a legislative initiative to introduce licensing for the sale of tobacco products, including cigarettes, vapes, and hookah products. The proposal, supported by the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, aims to legalize the market, reduce counterfeit goods, and increase tax revenues. According to committee chairman Maxim Tolilin, the licensing measures are expected to create conditions for market legalization and reduce the circulation of illicit products. He noted that the share of counterfeit cigarettes in sales is estimated at 9.5%, while for vapes, it is significantly higher, potentially exceeding 90% according to market players. The proposed licensing…