Last week brought a flurry of decisions and regulatory proposals concerning tobacco and vaping control across various world regions. From new bans and import taxes in Asia to consultations and legislative amendments in Europe and Oceania, governments are strengthening their public health policies. In the Americas, initiatives to regulate access to nicotine products highlight the global concern over their impact on health and youth. Here, we present a summary of the most relevant developments.
Asia
Vietnam, October 29 – During a tobacco control workshop attended by WHO representatives and national authorities, it was announced that the Ministry of Health would present a resolution to prohibit the production, distribution, import, and advertising of new cigarettes, vaping products, and heated tobacco products (THP). Based on studies about the effects of these products, modifications to existing tobacco control laws are also being prepared.
For further details: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/13/331117/de-xuat-quoc-hoi-cam-thuoc-la-moi-thuoc-la-dien-tu-thuoc-la-nung-nong.aspx
Vietnam, November 1 – A decree was issued imposing a 50% import tax on heated tobacco products and other nicotine-containing items, effective from December 16, 2024.
For further details: https://dangcongsan.vn/day-manh-cai-cach-tu-phap-va-hoat-dong-tu-phap/duong-loi-chinh-sach/sua-doi-bo-sung-mot-so-dieu-ve-bieu-thue-xuat-khau-bieu-thue-nhap-khau-uu-dai-682143.html
Oceania
Australia, October 30 – A public consultation was launched on regulations to introduce health warnings on cigarette packs, including phrases like ‘Toxic addiction’ and ‘Causes 16 types of cancer.’ The measures are set to be implemented in July 2025.
For further details: https://consultations.health.gov.au/atodb/public-health-amendment-regulations/
Western Australia, October 31—Regulations reinstating the requirement for a medical prescription to purchase vapes at pharmacies came into effect, reversing a federal law that removed this requirement. Tasmania is considering similar legislation.
For further details: https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Electronic-cigarettes-in-Western-Australia
New Zealand, October 31 – The Parliament’s Health Committee recommended an amendment to the bill banning disposable vapes, ensuring that single-use prefilled pods would not be included in the prohibition.
For further details: https://selectcommittees.parliament.nz/v/6/8cbd4425-6664-4b0d-be66-08dcf94925e0
Europe
France, October 29 – Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq announced the upcoming publication of a legislative text to ban the sale of nicotine pouches and a bill to halt the sale of disposable vapes before the end of the year.
For further details: https://www.lemondedutabac.com/le-ministere-de-la-sante-veut-interdire-les-sachets-de-nicotine/
Poland, October 29 – The Ministry of Health drafted a bill to ban flavors in innovative tobacco products and the sale of vapes to minors. Health Minister Izabela Leszczyn highlighted the need for further regulation on vaping flavors.
For further details: https://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/Ministra-zdrowia-Pracujemy-nad-zakazem-sprzedazy-woreczkow-z-nikotyna-syntetyczna-8836438.html
United Kingdom, October 15 – A government impact assessment revealed that following the planned ban on disposable vapes set for June 2025, 29% of users are expected to return to smoking tobacco. Projections of behavior among different user groups were detailed.
For further details: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2024/151/pdfs/ukia_20240151_en.pdf
United Kingdom, October 30 – The government advanced plans to restrict vaping in public spaces and ban smoking and vaping near schools and playgrounds. Additionally, a flat tax of £2.20 per 10 ml of vaping liquid was announced, set to take effect in October 2026.
For further details: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/starmer-to-ban-smoking-outside-hospitals-schools-and-playgrounds-n5svl7p3t
Americas
Dominican Republic, October 30 – A legislator from the Dominican Liberation Party presented a bill to regulate vaping use, including a ban on sales to minors.
For further details: https://debate.do/2024/10/30/charlie-mariotti-jr-dijo-buscan-mediante-proyecto-prohibir-venta-de-vapes-a-menores/
California, October 29 – The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance prohibiting the sale of filtered cigarettes in unincorporated areas starting January 1, 2027, or earlier if two other jurisdictions adopt similar measures.
For further details: https://ash.org/santa-cruz-countys-first-in-the-world-cigarette-filter-ban/#:~:text=202)%20659%20%E2%80%93%204310-,Santa%20Cruz%20County’s%20First-in-the-World%20Cigarette%20Filter,of%20filtered%20cigarettes%20and%20cigars.