Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | Weeks 03 & 04
Alchem NicSelect™ Nicotine Whispers
Welcome to Nicotine Whispers – a biweekly news digest on global developments in nicotine and tobacco, compiled by Alchem NicSelect™ in collaboration with PharmaCompass.
Stay informed on the latest regulations, market trends, and insights shaping the NGND industry.
Weeks 03 and 04 Highlights:
Norway
14 January – Planet of the Vapes
Snus is Becoming the Alternative to Smoking in Norway
Norway is steadily moving toward achieving Sweden’s smokefree status, with snus increasingly replacing cigarettes, as highlighted in a recent Briefing Paper from the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction.
UKE-Cig Market to Reach $23B by 2029
The e-cigarette market is projected to grow from $18.98 billion to $23.15 billion by 2029, driven by health awareness and regulatory pressures on traditional cigarettes. Major players such as BAT, Altria, Imperial Brands and JTI are developing user-friendly and customisable vaping products. Advances in battery and e-liquid technologies continue to enhance the vaping experience.
USA
16 January – FDA
FDA Authorises Marketing of 20 ZYN Nicotine Pouches
The FDA has granted marketing authorisation for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products, marking the first approval of its kind after an extensive scientific review. These products were found to present significantly lower health risks than cigarettes and smokeless tobacco while supporting adult smokers in making the switch.
Argentina
16 January – TobaccoIntelligence
2025: A Key Year for Nicotine Alternatives in Argentina and the EAEU?
Argentina may move to legalise and regulate nicotine alternatives in 2025, though political priorities could delay progress. In the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), regulation is expected but may face delays due to additional work required by authorities.
Brazil
16 January – 2Firsts
Anvisa Directors to Visit BAT and AstraZeneca Amid E-Cigarette Debate
Anvisa will send representatives to visit BAT and AstraZeneca facilities from January 28-31. The visit coincides with Brazil’s ongoing debates on e-cigarette regulations. Internal concerns were raised, but Anvisa clarified such visits are routine and not tied to specific regulatory discussions.
Philippines
16 January – BusinessWorld
Philippines Proposes Unified Tax Rate for Nicotine Products
The Philippine Department of Finance has proposed a single tax rate for nicotine products to simplify tax administration and address challenges in distinguishing product types. The proposal aims to improve enforcement and combat smuggling, with discussions ongoing about suspending tax hikes temporarily.
Pakistan
17 January – 2Firsts
Pakistan Suspends Activities of Anti-Smoking Organisations
Pakistan has suspended the activities of Tobacco-Free Kids and Vital Strategies, accusing them of unauthorised operations and freezing their accounts. These organisations, funded by Michael Bloomberg, are known for opposing e-cigarettes and had collaborated with Pakistan’s National Health Services.