Author: moonswamp

The Russian government has given the green light to the Finance Ministry's proposal to introduce licensing for retail trade in tobacco products, including vapes and hookahs. The decision, which mirrors the current regulations in the alcohol market, was made during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko. Starting September 1, 2026, every tobacco retail outlet will need to obtain a special permit to operate. The cost of the license will range from 20,000 rubles per year to 60,000 rubles for a five-year permit. A single violation of the rules will result in the revocation of the license. While the…

The Catalan High Court has partially annulled Barcelona's beach smoking ban, specifically lifting restrictions on vaping and e-cigarette use. The ruling responds to an appeal filed by the Former Smokers Association against the local legislation, which has prohibited smoking on all city beaches since July 2022. In its decision, the court differentiated between traditional cigarettes and vaping devices. Magistrates concluded that the Barcelona city council lacks the specific authority to regulate vaping products in beach areas. Consequently, the ban on using vapes or e-cigarettes on the sand and near the sea is no longer in effect. However, the court upheld…

The retail landscape in the United Kingdom is on the cusp of a significant transformation as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill progresses through Parliament. This landmark legislation, currently at its second reading in the House of Lords after passing all stages in the Commons, is set to introduce a 'generational smoking ban'. Under this ban, it will become illegal for anyone born after January 1, 2009, to purchase tobacco or nicotine-containing products, including vapes. Additionally, the sale of disposable vapes will be prohibited from June 1, 2025, onwards. As enforcement agencies scale up their investigations, there are three key steps…

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…