Author: moonswamp

The European Union is contemplating substantial increases in taxes on tobacco products and the introduction of new excise duties for electronic cigarettes (vapes) and nicotine pouches, according to reports from Euractiv and Politico citing an internal European Commission document. This move aims to update the bloc's 2011 Tobacco Excise Directive (TED) and address concerns over new nicotine products popular with youth. The Commission's preferred scenario reportedly includes raising the minimum excise duty on cigarettes by 139%, from €90 to €215 per 1,000 units. The tax on roll-your-own tobacco could see an even larger increase of 258%, from €60 to €215…

The Croatian Government has announced an increase in excise duties on various tobacco products and will introduce a new tax on e-cigarette liquids, effective July 1, 2025, following a year-long pause on such hikes. A draft regulation detailing these changes is currently in public consultation. Under the proposal, the specific excise duty on traditional cigarettes will rise from €53.10 to €56.10 per 1,000 units, with the minimum excise increasing to €124.20 per 1,000 cigarettes; the 34% proportional excise remains unchanged. Taxes on fine-cut tobacco, cigars, and cigarillos will increase to €120.50 per kilogram (or per 1,000 units). Heated tobacco products…

The Polish Senate has begun crucial work on amending the Act on Health Protection against the Consequences of Using Tobacco and Tobacco Products, signaling significant changes for the e-cigarette and alternative nicotine product market in Poland. The so-called "new tobacco law," with key provisions expected to take effect from July 1, 2025, aims to tighten existing regulations, primarily focusing on preventing underage access and use. A cornerstone of the proposed amendments is a complete ban on the sale of all types of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and their refill containers to anyone under the age of 18. Critically, this prohibition will…

A behavioral shift is occurring among vapers in Great Britain even before the nationwide ban on disposable e-cigarettes officially takes effect on June 1, 2025. New research, published in the prestigious journal Addiction, indicates that the mere announcement of upcoming vaping policies in January 2024 was enough to halt previously rising rates of overall vaping and trigger a substantial move away from disposable devices towards reusable alternatives, particularly among young adults. This study underscores the power of policy signals in influencing public health choices and provides crucial insights as the UK and other nations grapple with regulating the rapidly evolving vaping market,…

When electronic cigarettes first emerged in the UK market in the early 2000s, they were largely heralded as a revolutionary tool to help entrenched smokers quit traditional, combustible cigarettes. The promise was a way to deliver nicotine without the tar and carbon monoxide that cause the most harm from smoking. However, fast forward to 2025, and the perception and regulation of vaping have become far more complex. With the UK government set to ban the sale of single-use disposable vapes from June 1st, and ongoing discussions about further restrictions under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, it's clear that the initial optimism…

The era of easily accessible disposable vapes in the United Kingdom has officially ended. As of Sunday, June 1, 2025, a comprehensive nationwide ban on the sale and supply of all single-use disposable e-cigarettes has come into force. This significant legislative change, impacting England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, means that these often colorful and flavored "puff bars" can no longer be legally sold by any retailer, whether in physical shops or online. This move, first announced by the previous Conservative government and implemented by the new Labour administration, is part of a broader strategy to tackle youth vaping, reduce…

France is set to enforce a comprehensive smoking ban in many outdoor public spaces starting July 1, 2025, as part of its national strategy to create a "tobacco-free generation" by 2032. This significant public health initiative aims to reduce tobacco use and protect citizens, especially children, from secondhand smoke exposure. The new regulations will prohibit smoking traditional tobacco products in a wide range of open public areas. These include public parks, beaches, areas near school entrances, public transport stops, and sports venues. The French government hopes this move will foster healthier habits among both residents and the numerous tourists who…

Switzerland's Federal Councils have moved to prohibit disposable electronic cigarettes, widely known as "Puff Bars," due to their detrimental environmental and health impacts. Following the National Council's clear approval of a motion by Green Party member Christophe Clivaz in June 2024, the Council of States (Ständerat) has now also voted in favor, with 19 to 11 votes and 3 abstentions. Importantly, rechargeable and refillable e-cigarettes will be exempt from this ban. The primary justifications for the ban are concerns over youth appeal and environmental waste. The responsible parliamentary committee highlighted that these products, with their relatively low prices, attractive flavors,…

Uruguay has reimposed a ban on the importation and sale of heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes (vapes), effectively repealing a 2021 decree from the previous government that had allowed their commercialization. Laura Llambí, director of Uruguay's National Tobacco Control Program, announced the decision at a press conference on Tuesday. In addition to the sales and import ban, the reinstated measures prohibit the promotion, advertising, and indoor use of these products. President Yamandú Orsi supported the move, stating it strengthens Uruguay's position as a vanguard nation in tobacco control, reinforcing its commitment to public health.

The Russian State Duma is prepared to support a legislative bill for a complete ban on the sale of vapes (electronic cigarettes), according to its chairman, Vyacheslav Volodin. He stated that the call to prohibit electronic nicotine vaporizers originates from citizens and voters, and aligns with similar proposals from Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko and Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov. "Following the statement by the Minister of Industry and Trade... Anton Alikhanov in support of a complete ban on the sale of vapes, we expect a corresponding legislative initiative from the Russian government," Volodin said, as quoted by the…