Author: moonswamp

The Welsh Senedd has voted to support the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, a crucial step towards creating Wales' first smoke-free generation. This UK-wide legislation will make it illegal for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, to ever purchase tobacco products. The Bill, having passed the House of Commons, is currently under review by the House of Lords. Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy hailed the vote as a "historic day for public health in Wales," emphasizing the Bill's role in protecting young people from lifelong nicotine addiction. Wales has been a pioneer in smoke-free measures, already…

Mexico's Chamber of Deputies has approved constitutional reforms implementing a total ban on the use, sale, and distribution of vapes and electronic cigarettes nationwide. The measure, backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum's initiative, passed with 324 votes in favor and 129 against. The new legislation imposes severe penalties, including prison sentences of one to eight years for selling these devices. The reform amends the General Health Law to prohibit the acquisition, production, manufacturing, commercial transport, storage, import, export, distribution, sale, and supply of e-cigarettes and similar devices across Mexico. It also bans all advertising and promotion. Financial penalties for violations range…

Electronic cigarettes featuring candy-like flavors such as cotton candy, marshmallow, and donut are set to disappear from Czech shelves following a new amendment that took effect on December 1st. The regulation, aimed at tightening sales and labeling rules, grants retailers a seven-month grace period to clear existing stock before a complete ban on these sweet flavors and cannabinoid-containing e-cigarettes is enforced. This move addresses alarming trends in youth vaping. A National Institute of Public Health (SZÚ) survey reveals that e-cigarette usage in the general population nearly tripled over the last five years to almost 14%. Crucially, over a quarter of…

The European Union is set to discuss a stringent new proposal for revising the Tobacco Excise Directive (TED) on December 4th. Championed by the Danish EU Council Presidency, this plan outlines drastic tax increases across all smoking and nicotine products, potentially raising cigarette prices by nearly €2 per pack. The proposal is even more severe than the European Commission's initial draft from July 2025, which already faced significant backlash. Under the Danish plan, heated tobacco products could see tax hikes of 132% compared to the initial proposal, while nicotine sachets face a staggering 1000% increase. Innovative smokeless products would be…

A Costa Rican lawmaker from the ruling Partido Progreso Social Democrático has introduced a bill seeking a total ban on electronic nicotine delivery systems (vapes) and heated tobacco products. Ada Acuña filed the proposal (file number 25.309) on November 18, aiming to prohibit the import, sale, distribution, manufacturing, and advertising of these devices and their components across the country. Acuña argues that the current 2021 law has failed to curb the spread of vaping, particularly among youth. She highlights alarming incidents, including 25 reported intoxications this year involving minors aged 10 to 17, and a severe 2023 case where a…

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…