Author: Nick Schager

The California State Assembly has approved a bill to phase out the import and commercial sale of single-use electronic cigarettes. Supported by environmental and public health groups, the legislation now awaits a signature from Governor Gavin Newsom to officially take effect. Penalties for Illegal Vape Sales Under the proposed law, the commercial sale of disposable vapes will become illegal. Retailers violating the ban face financial penalties and the loss of their tobacco retail licenses. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the financial burden of these products on local communities. "We hope the Governor recognizes the threat these devices represent…

The United Arab Emirates will introduce a minimum excise price of Dh1 (\$0.27) per milliliter for e-cigarette and vape liquids on September 1. This policy applies the existing 100% excise rate to a higher taxable value, raising retail prices across the country. Under the new mechanism, a 60ml bottle currently retailing for Dh40 ($10.80) will be taxed as if it were priced at Dh60 ($16.20). Medical professionals and vapers report that these higher costs could discourage youth vaping and prompt current users to reduce consumption. However, retailers warn that the resulting price gap between legal and unofficial products may drive…

With smoking rates at 5.6%, Sweden proves the public health value of non-combustible nicotine alternatives.

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones announced Thursday the creation of the Regulated Products Enforcement Unit to police the state's rapidly growing market for vaping products, hemp-derived THC, and kratom. This new division consolidates regulatory duties to stop the sale of illicit, deceptively packaged products. The unit will handle civil enforcement, conduct retail compliance checks, and manage product directories. Inspectors will work alongside the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority and other state agencies to monitor storefronts. The Attorney General’s office now holds the authority to pursue civil penalties and legal action against non-compliant manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. "New intoxicating products and…

North Carolina lawmakers have enacted strict regulations on vape shops within the state's newly passed budget. This legislative move addresses a sharp rise in youth vaping, introducing a \$1,000 annual licensing fee and mandatory electronic age verification at store entrances to prevent minors from purchasing nicotine products. The new rules specifically target nicotine vaping products, excluding hemp-based or cannabis derivatives. Under the law, any business meeting at least one of the following criteria must comply: Public health advocates support the measures, pointing to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing that 24% of teenagers used vape…

The Spanish government has approved the final draft of a new anti-tobacco law designed to curb smoking and vaping in shared public spaces. Approved on Tuesday, April 21, the bill now heads to the Spanish Parliament for debate and a final vote. A specific date for the law to take effect has not yet been set. The proposed legislation expands the list of smoke-free areas to include outdoor festivals, concert venues, and university campuses. It also introduces "reinforced protection zones," which ban smoking and vaping within a 15-meter radius of schools, healthcare facilities, universities, museums, libraries, and sports complexes. Under…

The Polish government approved a draft amendment on July 21 to raise excise taxes on e-cigarettes and close tax loopholes. This policy aims to curb youth vaping by increasing retail prices, though its implementation faces uncertainty after President Karol Nawrocki blocked a similar bill earlier this month. Under the approved draft, the excise tax on vaporization devices will increase from 40 PLN to 50 PLN. This tax also applies to liquids contained in disposable e-cigarettes. Additionally, the tax on e-liquid will rise from 1.80 PLN to 2.20 PLN per milliliter starting January 1, 2027. Product / ComponentCurrent Excise RateNew Excise…

The East Java branch of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI Jatim) has issued Fatwa No. 1 of 2026, declaring the abuse of e-cigarettes for drug consumption religiously forbidden. This religious ruling has gained support from Indonesian vape retail and consumer advocacy groups, who view it as a step toward stopping drug syndicates from exploiting vapor technology. While supporting the fatwa, industry representatives stress the need to separate legitimate commercial operations from criminal activities. Fachmi Kurnia, Chairman of the Indonesian Vape Retail Association (ARVINDO), agreed with the religious ruling on narcotics but urged the public and regulators to protect law-abiding businesses…

The Australian Labor government has announced that the national daily smoking rate has dropped to a historic low. According to a press release from Health Minister Mark Butler’s office, daily smoking among Australians aged 18 and over fell to 5.8% in 2025, down from previous years and well below the government's 10% target. When including those aged 14 and older, the daily smoking rate sits at 5.6%, down from 8.3% in the 2022–2023 period. The government's figures, drawn from the 2025 National Drug Strategy Household Survey by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, also suggest that overall nicotine use…

Public health experts warn that conflating heated tobacco products (HTPs) and e-cigarettes under the generic term "vape" is hindering effective tobacco harm reduction policies. This conceptual blur occurs as global markets shift toward smoke-free alternatives, complicating risk communication for millions of consumers. Tobacco combustion is the primary driver of smoking-related illnesses. Burning a cigarette releases over 6,000 chemicals, including at least 100 harmful or potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs). While nicotine is addictive, scientists agree it is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases. HTPs and e-cigarettes operate on different mechanisms: Eliminating combustion reduces chemical exposure. Gizelle Baker, VP of Global…