Vape Market Weekly News (March 8th to 14th, 2025 )

Russia

• On Mar. 8, 2025, the Russian Ministry of Health designed the graphics that will be used on the packaging of smokeless tobacco products to alert consumers of the health risks. If the design is approved, the manufacturer will have 12 months after the design is approved to print it on the product packaging or accompanying sheet. Source

Malaysia

• On Mar. 9, 2025, Malaysia's education minister said it would ban the sale of all food products that pose a risk to students' health, including e-cigarette-like sweets, in schools. Source
• On Mar. 10, 2025, Malaysia's education minister said that the sale of candy similar to e-cigarettes in schools is prohibited and that the Ministry of Education will take strict measures against the sale of such foods. Source
• On Mar. 12, 2025, the Penang Consumers Association believes that the number of students involved in e-cigarettes in Malaysia is well above 20,000, and recommends that the new licenses of e-cigarette shops be stopped, that stores near schools be prohibited, and calls for severe punishment for the sale of cigarettes to students as well as a complete ban on e-cigarettes. Source

Puerto Rico

• On Mar. 10, 2025, Puerto Rican lawmakers submitted a legislative proposal to ban the sale of e-cigarettes within 500 meters of schools. Non-compliant merchants will face a fine of $10,000, and the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, and other departments will participate in the legislation. Source

South Korea

• On Mar. 10, 2025, according to a survey by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, e-cigarette purchases increased by 25% in a year, with synthetic nicotine products accounting for 97.2% and imports soaring by 80%. Experts have called for legal amendments and regulation, but proposals have been shelved due to industry skepticism. Source
• On Mar. 10, 2025, British American Tobacco launched the "Hyper Pro Aurora Purple", a spring limited edition device inspired by the aurora borealis in the night sky, in purple light and shadow colors. It can be found on Glo's official website, DiscoverGlo, and can also be purchased on the KakaoTalk Store from the 17th. Source

United Kingdom

• On Mar. 10, 2025, according to a survey in the United Kingdom, more than 6 percent of e-cigarette users suspect that they are buying fake goods, only 2 percent verify the authenticity, and more than half of retailers sell illegal products. Source
• On Mar. 11, 2025, British e-cigarette company Plxsur planned to acquire CK Complex, a Polish e-cigarette wholesaler, to expand its market share in Poland and Europe. CK Complex is mainly engaged in the production, distribution, and retail of e-cigarettes and their e-liquids. Source
• On Mar. 13, 2025, UK police and Trading Standards raided a store and seized more than 25,000 illegal cigarettes, 1,200 suspected counterfeit e-cigarettes, and 80 bags of tobacco, marking the largest raid in the Solihull area. Source

Thailand

• On Mar. 10, 2025, Thai authorities seized more than 201,400 smuggled e-cigarettes worth $1.2 million at the port of Laem Chabang in Chonburi province. The seized goods included 23,400 disposable e-cigarettes, 6,000 bottles of e-liquid, and 172,000 pre-filled e-cigarette cartridges. Source
• On Mar. 12, 2025, Thailand's Consumer Protection Commission seized 671 suspicious packages containing disposable e-cigarettes and replacement e-liquids that were involved in illegal sales practices and violated regulations prohibiting the production and sale of e-cigarettes and related products. Source
• On Mar. 12, 2025, a total of 955 cases were seized in Thailand's e-cigarette crackdown, focusing on importers and sellers to avoid widespread impact on a large number of users. Source
• On Mar. 13, 2025, the Consumer Protection Police of Thailand arrested a Thai woman on suspicion of possessing and selling e-cigarettes and accessories worth more than $300,000. The woman stated she was employed by a Chinese boss and is now facing legal proceedings for violating the Consumer Protection Law. Source
• On Mar. 15, 2025, Thailand's Minister of Education signed an official statement announcing measures to control the spread of e-cigarettes, including raising awareness, clarifying smoke-free zone signs, monitoring violations, and requiring authorities at all levels to strictly comply in order to ensure a safe and smoke-free environment within educational institutions. Source

United States

• On Mar. 10, 2025, the Tennessee Legislative Committee introduced a bill to tax e-cigarette products and restrict the scope of sales, allowing only products approved or reviewed by the FDA. Additionally, a tax of 7 cents per milliliter is planned for disposable vaping products and 10% of the wholesale cost price for refillable vaping products. Source
• On Mar. 10, 2025, the Florida Attorney General announced a $79 million settlement with JUUL Labs to prohibit the advertising and promotion of products for teens in Florida and allocated $30 million for the "Smoke-Free Florida Fund" to protect children from harmful marketing and products. Source
• On Mar. 10, 2025, U.S. Senator Moody focused on the issue of illegal e-cigarettes at the FDA director's hearing, noting that they flood the market and harm young people. Commissioner-elect Macari acknowledged the increase in community e-cigarette shops and offered to work with law enforcement to combat illegal products. Source
• On Mar. 11, 2025, a report stated that the seizure of illegal e-cigarettes in Massachusetts skyrocketed by 21,000% in 2024, with high taxes and bans triggering black market transactions that resulted in significant tax revenue loss for the state government and harm to small and medium-sized businesses. Source
• On Mar. 12, 2025, Kentucky announced that licenses will be issued to all retailers selling tobacco and vaping products, granting the Alcoholic Beverage Control Department (ABC) the authority to inspect and enforce these retailers, similar to its regulation of alcohol retailers. Source

Philippines

• On Mar. 11, 2025, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry released a draft on e-cigarette management aimed at simplifying the process for compliant imports. According to the draft, importers are required to submit documents including packing lists, commercial invoices, bills of lading/airline bills of lading, production batch details, and a valid Philippine Standard (PS) license. Additionally, extra compliance requirements include submitting a security deposit of 150,000 pesos, a valid certificate of registration with the Customs Department, documentation of warehouse ownership or lease, and an excise tax declaration with an IRS stamp. Prior to full SOC approval, the importer may apply for a Provisional Approved Certificate of Conformity (CCR) to allow temporary customs clearance; however, final approval is subject to rigorous inspection by DTI's Special Assignment Office for E-cigarettes and Non-Nicotinic Products (OSMV). Source
• On Mar. 12, 2025, Philippine Customs seized $21 million worth of counterfeit goods stored in warehouses, involving Kylinbar-branded e-cigarettes. Warehouse operators are required to provide legal documents within 15 days or face charges for violating customs and intellectual property laws. Source
• On Mar. 12, 2025, DTI-NCRO established a special team responsible for regulatory enforcement of e-cigarettes. Additionally, the sale of e-cigarettes near schools is prohibited, and non-compliant merchants will face criminal prosecution. Source

Netherlands

• On Mar. 11, 2025, according to a report by the Trimbos Institute in the Netherlands, nearly 40% of young people who use e-cigarettes monthly are unaware whether their devices contain nicotine, and only 28% of e-cigarette users consider themselves addicted – compared to 50% among traditional cigarette smokers. Source
• On Mar. 12, 2025, the Netherlands announced plans to raise the legal age for buying cigarettes and e-cigarettes to 21 years old, while significantly increasing fines for illegal sales, severely restricting online sales, and investing in awareness campaigns, all aimed at achieving a smoke-free society by 2040. Source

Ukraine

• On Mar. 12, 2025, Ukrainian law enforcement seized 100,000 illegal e-cigarette products worth more than $870,000. This action was taken against criminal gangs illegally selling e-cigarettes and related products through fixed points of sale. Source

South Africa

• On Mar. 13, 2025, a study by the University of Cape Town found that e-cigarette use among secondary school students in South Africa is as high as 16.8%. The study also noted that usage is not limited to high-income families, with about 61% of users potentially being severely addicted and more than half having started vaping due to peer pressure or group integration. Source

Scotland

• On Mar. 13, 2025, Scottish e-cigarette retailer VPZ warned that "high-mouth" e-cigarette devices are designed to circumvent a one-time e-cigarette ban scheduled to be implemented in June. If no action is taken, this could affect more young people and lead to increased retailer non-compliance over the next two years. Source

Poland

• On Mar. 13, 2025, Poland's Senate unanimously passed a bill banning the sale of flavored heated tobacco products. This bill, currently pending presidential approval, gives producers and sellers nine months to adapt to the new regulations. Simultaneously, the Polish parliament is considering another bill to further restrict the sale of e-cigarettes. Source

Brazil

• On Mar. 13, 2025, Brazilian police intercepted 21,000 e-cigarettes and 238 kilograms of marijuana in the state of Paraná. The truck driver was arrested for smuggling, and four others were arrested on suspicion of international drug smuggling. Source

Denmark

• On Mar. 14, 2025, the Danish government announced that it will start restricting the maximum nicotine concentration in nicotine pouches to no more than 9 mg beginning in July, with full implementation planned for April 2026. Experts warn that this new rule could lead to a ban on 90% of existing nicotine pouches and potentially drive the market underground. Source