Author: moonswamp
A federal judge in Florida has ruled that key claims in two class action lawsuits against Philip Morris and its subsidiary Swedish Match, the makers of Zyn nicotine pouches, can move forward. The lawsuits allege the companies deceptively market Zyn, particularly to young people, while downplaying addiction risks. Court Upholds Core Allegations In a March 19 decision, U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas largely denied the defendants' motion to dismiss. While a claim of fraudulent concealment was dismissed for lacking sufficient detail (with plaintiffs given a chance to amend), the court upheld significant allegations. These include claims related to design…
The Tennessee legislature has passed a bill that imposes new taxes on vape products and requires a registry of FDA-approved vaping devices. The House approved the Republican-backed bill on Thursday, which includes several amendments accepted by the Senate. Key Provisions Legislative Intent and Next Steps Senator Ken Yager and Representative David Hawk introduced the bill to curb youth vaping and ensure product safety. Despite concerns from vape shop owners about potential negative impacts on businesses, the bill is now headed to Governor Bill Lee for final approval.
The Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee has passed HB529, a bill introduced by state Rep. David Faulkner (R-District 46) that seeks to impose an additional tax on the sale of "consumable vapor products" in the state at a rate of 10 cents per milliliter. Consumers would pay the cost of the tax in addition to the existing Alabama sales tax. Under Alabama law, a consumable vapor product includes "any nicotine liquid solution or other material containing nicotine that is depleted when used as a vapor product." The bill also outlines that 50 percent of the funds collected…
The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee recently held a hearing to discuss a series of bills aimed at regulating the sale, distribution, and marketing of e-cigarette products. The debate centered around the growing concern over the appeal of these products to minors and the influx of illegal vape products from China. Senate Bill (SB) 1698, authored by Sen. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound), proposes the creation of an "e-cigarette directory" to ensure that manufacturers comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards and that out-of-state manufacturers and importers adhere to Texas law. Parker emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue,…
Spain has officially implemented a new taxation system for vaping products as of April 1, 2025. This landmark legislation significantly increases the cost of vaping devices and related products throughout most of the country, aligning Spanish regulations with broader European standards. Tax Structure and Price Impacts The new tax establishes a tiered pricing system based on nicotine concentration. Liquids containing less than 15 mg/ml of nicotine face a €0.15/ml tax plus VAT, while products with higher nicotine concentrations will be taxed at €0.20/ml plus VAT. This means a standard 100ml container with 5 mg/ml nicotine concentration will cost an additional…
Electronic cigarettes have gained significant popularity as an alternative to traditional tobacco products. However, transporting these devices across international borders requires careful consideration of local regulations. Different countries enforce various rules regarding vape imports, with some imposing serious penalties for violations. Understanding Basic Vape Transportation Regulations Most countries permit travelers to carry electronic cigarettes for personal use, but specific limitations apply. Current standard regulations typically allow: These restrictions aim to prevent commercial distribution disguised as personal items. Regulations frequently change, so checking current rules before traveling remains essential for avoiding potential legal issues. Countries With Complete Vape Import Bans While…
Oregon lawmakers are once again considering a bill that would ban the sale of all flavored tobacco products in the state. Senate Bill 702, currently awaiting a work session in the Senate Committee of Early Childhood Behavioral Health, aims to prohibit the sale of vapes with fruity and candy flavors, herb and spice flavors in dips, and even menthol cigarettes. Supporters of the bill argue that tobacco companies target children with these flavored products, attempting to get them hooked on nicotine at a young age. Naomi Robinson, a junior at Lake Oswego High School and a lobbyist for the American…
Tennessee lawmakers are pushing forward with a new vape tax proposal, which has sparked a heated debate between concerns over youth health and the impact on small businesses. The bill, House Bill 0968, passed the Tennessee Senate on Monday and is expected to move to the House on Tuesday for approval. This legislation aims to tackle the rising rates of youth vaping in the state, which are more than twice the national average, according to the Tennessee Health Advisory Commission, with 22% of young people in Tennessee reporting vaping. Health Concerns vs. Business Struggles Senator Ken Yager, one of the…
Mississippi, the pioneering state that sued "Big Tobacco" 31 years ago, is now on the verge of allowing those same companies to dominate its vaping market. The legislature has quietly passed HB916, which limits consumers to purchasing e-cigarettes from only three FDA-authorized manufacturers and bans virtually all flavored vaping products. This move essentially grants Big Tobacco a monopoly over the state's vaping industry under a Biden-era regulation. The 1994 lawsuit against 13 tobacco companies resulted in a $3 billion settlement paid to Mississippi over 25 years, making the current bill's favoritism towards Big Tobacco a striking contrast.
Utah's new law, which includes a flavor ban for vape products and the establishment of a PMTA (Premarket Tobacco Product Application) registry, is now officially in effect. The law will begin being enforced immediately, following a federal judge's decision on Monday to deny a motion that sought to prevent enforcement while the ongoing lawsuit challenging the law continues. This ruling means that the vapor industry plaintiffs can no longer legally sell flavored e-cigarettes or vape products while they await the final legal outcome of their lawsuit. Utah Senate Bill 61: Key Components of the Law The law, known as Senate…