Latest NICOTINE NEWS
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Vietnam to Boost Cigarette Tax for 5 Years
The per-pack component will rise annually to 10,000 dong per pack by 2031.
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22nd Century Highlights VLN Rollout, Debt Exit

22nd Century says VLN distribution expanded to nearly 2,000 stores across 20+ states.
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JPMorgan Sued Over $80 Tobacco Surcharge

The lawsuit focuses on the alleged lack of retroactive reimbursement and insufficient notice.
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BAT to Shutter South Africa Cigarette Plant

The company expects to supply the market via imports after the closure, following consultations.
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Two Cigar Imports Executives Killed in Florida

Police identified the alleged shooter as Nesar Dawla, who later died by suicide after fleeing.
MORE NICOTINE NEWS
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Iraq Arrests Alleged Australia Tobacco Kingpin
Australian police have linked Hamad to organized crime tied to the illicit tobacco market.
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Oklahoma Court Blocks Takeover of Tobacco Trust
The court said the law conflicted with the constitution’s seven-year board term structure.
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JTI Malaysia Names Ellena Managing Director
Didier Ellena brings 30+ years at JTI, with leadership roles across Europe and Russia.
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BAT Plans 51 Job Cuts at Belgium Hub
The consultation process required under Belgian labor practice is expected to follow.
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Korea’s NHIS Loses Tobacco Appeal Again
A first-instance judgment issued in November 2020 dismissed NHIS’s claim.
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Scottish Vape Retailers Warn of Illicit Growth
Retailers want tighter rule design as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill advances through government.
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Universal Releases FY2025 Sustainability Report
During fiscal year 2025, Universal made significant progress towards its sustainability goals.
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Doseology Taps McKinney for Pouch PMTA Focus
Partnership is framed as a step toward regulatory compliance and commercial readiness.
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Zimbabwe Tobacco Plantings Jump 22%
Contract farming still dominates, accounting for 75.6% of planted area.
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Russia to Tighten Vape Packaging Rules
Product design standards will prevent devices from resembling toys or games.
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Virginia Appeals Ruling Blocking Vape Flavors Law
The court has narrowed the dispute to the Supremacy Clause and preemption issues.
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China Ends Vape Export VAT Rebates From April 1
The policy was publicly reported on Jan. 9 by state-linked and financial media outlets.
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Russia Rejects Generational Tobacco Ban
Russia has steadily tightened tobacco regulation over the past decade.
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San Fran Lands $1M in Flavored Pouch Suit
The court order requires address-blocking, website notices, and payment.
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China Regulates Nicotine Pouches as Tobacco
The STMA calls smokeless tobacco products either cigarettes or cut tobacco.
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Pakistan Panel Clears Vape Regulatory Bill
Product standards, age verification and fines signal tougher enforcement.
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22nd Century Seeks MRTP Renewal for VLN
22nd Century submitted its MRTP renewal to FDA keep VLN cigarettes on the market.
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Altria Challenges ITC Authority in Vape Case
They say the ITC lacks constitutional authority, citing the Appointments Clause.
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Chen Zhi Arrest Shakes Global Cigar Industry
His alleged fraud empire and U.S. sanctions have disrupted cigar manufacturing.
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Universal CEO to Speak at ICR Conference
A live webcast of the presentation will be available via Universal’s investor relations site.
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Court Questions FDA’s De Facto Vape Ban
VDX argues that the FDA has imposed an unlawful blanket ban on open systems.
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Nicotine Pouch Sellers Find a Payment Lifeline
The new service is positioned to prevent sudden account closures and frozen funds.
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Denver Flavor Ban Pushes Vapers to Suburbs
Retailers outside Denver expect gains while Denver shops warn of lost revenue.
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UPC Appeals Panel Rejects VMR Vape Patent
Judges ruled that adding a cartridge viewing window was an obvious design choice.
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Tobacco Policy Bridge-Builder Scott Ballin Dies
Ballin was a longtime THR advocate known for bridging regulatory and industry divides.
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Charlie’s Eyes Age-Gated Future for Vapes
The company plans to test market Ike Tech age-gating tech using its SBX products.
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Perak Orders Vape Shops to Shut by October
Vape shops in Malaysia’s Perak state have been given until October to end vape sales.
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UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Returns to Parliament
Retailers urge clarity on timing to reduce uncertainty for businesses and adult smokers.
Premium Cigars/Leaf
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22nd Century Highlights VLN Rollout, Debt Exit
22nd Century says VLN distribution expanded to nearly 2,000 stores across 20+ states.
-

JPMorgan Sued Over $80 Tobacco Surcharge
The lawsuit focuses on the alleged lack of retroactive reimbursement and insufficient notice.
-

BAT to Shutter South Africa Cigarette Plant
The company expects to supply the market via imports after the closure, following consultations.
-

Two Cigar Imports Executives Killed in Florida
Police identified the alleged shooter as Nesar Dawla, who later died by suicide after fleeing.
-

Iraq Arrests Alleged Australia Tobacco Kingpin
Australian police have linked Hamad to organized crime tied to the illicit tobacco market.
-

Oklahoma Court Blocks Takeover of Tobacco Trust
The court said the law conflicted with the constitution’s seven-year board term structure.
-

JTI Malaysia Names Ellena Managing Director
Didier Ellena brings 30+ years at JTI, with leadership roles across Europe and Russia.
-

BAT Plans 51 Job Cuts at Belgium Hub
The consultation process required under Belgian labor practice is expected to follow.
Nicotine Pouches
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Doseology Taps McKinney for Pouch PMTA Focus
Partnership is framed as a step toward regulatory compliance and commercial readiness.
-

China Regulates Nicotine Pouches as Tobacco
The STMA calls smokeless tobacco products either cigarettes or cut tobacco.
-

Nicotine Pouch Sellers Find a Payment Lifeline
The new service is positioned to prevent sudden account closures and frozen funds.
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Korea to Treat Synthetic Nicotine as Tobacco
The revision marks the first change to South Korea’s legal definition of tobacco products.
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Washington State to Expand Tobacco Tax
Synthetic nicotine pouches and disposable vapes are also now subject to the litter tax.
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France’s Top Court Curbs Nicotine, Vape Bans
The ruling followed a legal challenge by EVLB Group, a manufacturer.
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Russia Approves Blocking of Online Nicotine Sales
The law covers tobacco, nicotine, hookah, and heated tobacco products.
Vaping
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Scottish Vape Retailers Warn of Illicit Growth
Retailers want tighter rule design as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill advances through government.
-

Russia to Tighten Vape Packaging Rules
Product design standards will prevent devices from resembling toys or games.
-

Virginia Appeals Ruling Blocking Vape Flavors Law
The court has narrowed the dispute to the Supremacy Clause and preemption issues.
-

China Ends Vape Export VAT Rebates From April 1
The policy was publicly reported on Jan. 9 by state-linked and financial media outlets.
-

Pakistan Panel Clears Vape Regulatory Bill
Product standards, age verification and fines signal tougher enforcement.
-

Altria Challenges ITC Authority in Vape Case
They say the ITC lacks constitutional authority, citing the Appointments Clause.
-

Court Questions FDA’s De Facto Vape Ban
VDX argues that the FDA has imposed an unlawful blanket ban on open systems.
-

Denver Flavor Ban Pushes Vapers to Suburbs
Retailers outside Denver expect gains while Denver shops warn of lost revenue.
Legislation
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UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Returns to Parliament
Retailers urge clarity on timing to reduce uncertainty for businesses and adult smokers.
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Azerbaijan Bill Would Ban Vapes, Components
The draft law would categorize vapes as banned products under various statutes.
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Mexico Lawmakers Pass Vape Product Ban
The law imposes up to 8 years in prison on commercial suppliers but exempts consumers.
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Wales Passes Generational Ban
Although the bill was first drafted in the UK, a separate vote was necessary in Wales.
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Costa Rica Bill Seeks National Vape, HTP Ban
The bill would also ban heated tobacco and related products such as nicotine pouches.
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Senator’s Bill to Close Vape Import Loophole
The House version introduced by Rep. Higgins maintains the same core provisions.
Regulation
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Doseology Taps McKinney for Pouch PMTA Focus
Partnership is framed as a step toward regulatory compliance and commercial readiness.
-

China Ends Vape Export VAT Rebates From April 1
The policy was publicly reported on Jan. 9 by state-linked and financial media outlets.
-

China Regulates Nicotine Pouches as Tobacco
The STMA calls smokeless tobacco products either cigarettes or cut tobacco.
-

Pakistan Panel Clears Vape Regulatory Bill
Product standards, age verification and fines signal tougher enforcement.
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Nicaragua Reaffirms Ban on All Vaping Products
Authorities warned violations would trigger legal sanctions under the General Health Law.
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Bangladesh Bans All New Nicotine Products
The ordinance is one of the most comprehensive nicotine prohibitions enacted in Asia.
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Azerbaijan Adopts Ban on Vapes, Not HTPs
The final text draws a regulatory distinction between vapes and heated tobacco.
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California: Injunction Denied in UTL Cigar Case
The court will expedite the appeal on an accelerated schedule ahead of rule’s rollout.
Retail
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22nd Century Highlights VLN Rollout, Debt Exit
22nd Century says VLN distribution expanded to nearly 2,000 stores across 20+ states.
-

Scottish Vape Retailers Warn of Illicit Growth
Retailers want tighter rule design as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill advances through government.
-

San Fran Lands $1M in Flavored Pouch Suit
The court order requires address-blocking, website notices, and payment.
-

Nicotine Pouch Sellers Find a Payment Lifeline
The new service is positioned to prevent sudden account closures and frozen funds.
-

Denver Flavor Ban Pushes Vapers to Suburbs
Retailers outside Denver expect gains while Denver shops warn of lost revenue.
-

Perak Orders Vape Shops to Shut by October
Vape shops in Malaysia’s Perak state have been given until October to end vape sales.
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Ireland: 20% of Vape Shops Sold to Minors in 2025
The HSE conducted 223 test purchases in 2024, resulting in 40 failed tests.
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Juul Labs UK Expands JUUL2 Flavor Portfolio
The launch builds on the October 2025 introduction of four single-fruit JUUL2 flavors.






