Author: moonswamp

Chile has implemented a significant new piece of legislation, Law No. 21.642, which establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for electronic cigarettes (vapes), including both nicotine-containing (ENDS) and nicotine-free (ENNDS) devices and their liquids. Published in the Official Gazette on January 4th, 2024, with key provisions like public use bans taking effect around May 20th, 2025, the law aims to assimilate these products with traditional tobacco regulations to protect public health, especially minors. A cornerstone of the new law is the prohibition of selling, distributing, or giving any vaping products, accessories, or e-liquids to individuals under 18 years of age. Sales…

Great Britain is set to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes (vapes) starting on 01/Jun, a significant move aimed at tackling both environmental pollution and the alarming rise in youth vaping. The government states that by 2024, an estimated five million single-use vapes were being improperly discarded or thrown away weekly, contributing to a growing waste problem due to their plastic components and lithium-ion batteries. The ban on these often colorful and sweet-flavored devices, popular for their convenience and low initial cost (around 600 puffs before disposal), is part of a broader anti-smoking strategy. The UK government's long-term goal is…

A coalition of fifteen European Union member states, including major economies like Spain, Germany, and France, has formally urged the European Commission to modernize and strengthen the bloc's directive on tobacco taxation. In a joint letter addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the finance and economy ministers from these nations declared the current legislative framework, last updated in 2011, "completely outdated" and "no longer fit for purpose." The ministers, including Spain's First Vice President María Jesús Montero and Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, argue that the existing directive is insufficient to address the "significant challenges posed by ongoing developments…

Legislation Bans Sales to Minors, Restricts Advertising, and Mandates Warnings Poland has taken a significant step in public health policy by adopting new legislation to regulate nicotine products, including the increasingly popular nicotine pouches and all types of e-cigarettes. The Polish Sejm (lower house of parliament) passed the amendment to the Act on Health Protection against the Consequences of Using Tobacco and Tobacco Products on May 21st. This move makes Poland one of the first EU countries to establish clear rules for these emerging nicotine products. A primary focus of the new law is the protection of minors. It introduces…

The state of Lower Saxony in Germany has officially expanded its non-smoking protection laws to include e-cigarettes (vapes), heated tobacco products, and the vaporization of cannabis. The state parliament in Hannover approved the amendment on Tuesday, with broad support from the SPD, Green, and CDU parties; the AfD abstained. Effective immediately, the ban means that vaping and cannabis vaporization are now prohibited in the same public indoor spaces where traditional smoking was already forbidden, such as restaurants, hospitals, and other public buildings. Previously, the law explicitly covered only the smoking of combustible products, including cannabis joints. The ruling SPD and…

A new era for vaping regulation has begun in Chile with Law 21.642 taking effect this Tuesday. After more than four years of congressional discussion, the legislation aims to curb the indiscriminate use and sale of electronic cigarettes, applying to both nicotine and non-nicotine containing products. Key provisions of the new law include a strict prohibition on the sale of all vaping products to individuals under the age of 18. Furthermore, the law mandates that e-cigarettes must now carry clear health warnings on their packaging, similar to those required for traditional tobacco products. Advertising for vapes faces significant restrictions, limiting…

New research from Northern Ireland's Public Health Agency (PHA) reveals concerning trends in e-cigarette use among young people aged 11-18. The report, titled 'Behavioural insights into youth vaping in Northern Ireland,' surveyed over 7,500 students across 91 post-primary schools, providing crucial data on vaping prevalence, perceptions, and motivations, as well as insights into traditional tobacco use. Vaping Prevalence Skyrockets with Age, Many Never Smoked Cigarettes The study found that overall, 15% of young people reported currently vaping. This figure shows a dramatic increase with age, rising from just 4% among Year 8 pupils (typically 11-12 years old) to a striking…

A Voronezh-based lawyer, Evgeny Ermilov, has expressed strong doubts about the practical enforceability of any potential ban on smoking cigarettes and vapes within private apartments in Russia. This comes as discussions arise about extending existing public smoking prohibitions, which have been in place for over 12 years and carry fines of 500 to 1,500 rubles for individuals. Challenges in Proving and Assigning Responsibility While acknowledging he personally dislikes cigarette smoke and would welcome such a ban, Ermilov stated, "From a legal point of view, I cannot imagine how this could work." He highlighted the difficulty in proving the source of…

Millions of British vapers are reportedly stockpiling disposable e-cigarettes as a ban on their sale, championed by the Labour party, is set to take effect from the beginning of next month. New data reveals that a staggering 82% of the UK's 5.6 million vapers are preparing for the new law, with nearly 40% aiming to have enough stock for three months and 28% for six months. The 45-54 age group leads this trend, with almost 90% admitting to hoarding. Sales Surge Amid Ban and Enforcement Concerns The ban on single-use vapes, initially proposed by the Conservative government in January, is…

The Dutch government initiated a significant anti-vaping campaign this Monday, titled "Say no to vaping." This move follows alarming new research commissioned by the health ministry. The data reveals that nearly one in ten 12-year-olds have tried vaping. Furthermore, almost 40% of 12 to 16-year-old vapers consider themselves addicted. Campaign Aims to Curb Teen Vaping and Illegal Trade Junior Health Minister Vincent Karremans launched the campaign. It includes an action plan designed to discourage teenagers from starting to vape. The plan also aims to help current young vapers quit and combat the trade in illegal vape products. Minister Karremans emphasized…