Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | Weeks 07 & 08
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 07 and 08 Highlights:
USA
Trump’s Tariffs & FDA Reforms: A Tobacco Harm Reduction Dilemma
The new administration has a chance to reshape public health through tobacco harm reduction (THR). However, Trump’s new 10% tariff on Chinese vaping products and FDA reform plans spark debate over balancing trade policy, public health, and access to safer alternatives.
Hong Kong
10 February – Tobacco Reporter
Hong Kong’s Tobacco Control Bill Faces Backlash from Pubs
Hong Kong’s proposed amendment bill would strengthen tobacco control, including a potential flavour ban on cigarettes and water pipes. Pub operators warn the changes could significantly impact business, with 80% of bar-goers less likely to visit pubs.
UK
11 February – Tobacco Reporter
Northern Ireland Advances Generational Smoking Ban
Northern Ireland’s Assembly has backed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which would permanently ban tobacco sales for those born after 2008. The bill, part of the UK’s broader smoke-free strategy, now awaits final approval through the Westminster legislative process.
South Korea
11 February – Nicotine Insider
South Korea Delays Synthetic Nicotine Bill Again
A bill to regulate synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes failed to pass a South Korean parliamentary subcommittee. Lawmakers remain divided over economic impact, youth protection, and tax loopholes, leaving regulation uncertain.
USA
Study: Do Tobacco 21 Laws Reduce Youth Smoking?
A recent study questions the effectiveness of Tobacco 21 (T21) laws, suggesting they may not significantly curb youth smoking. Researchers highlight potential unintended consequences of prohibitionist policies and emphasize the need for harm reduction strategies to achieve better public health outcomes.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria Bans E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Products
The Bulgarian Parliament has approved a bill prohibiting the sale, distribution, and advertising of e-cigarettes and similar products. The law also bans nicotine pouches, snuff, and energy drinks for minors.
Australia
Study: Less Restrictive Vaping Laws Lead to Faster Smoking Decline
Research from the University of Queensland shows smoking rates in New Zealand have fallen twice as fast as in Australia, likely due to less restrictive vaping regulations. The study highlights that New Zealand’s endorsement of vaping as a smoking cessation tool could improve public health and reduce smoking, particularly in disadvantaged groups.
China
Nicotine Pouches are booming in China: China’s Nicotine Pouch Exports Surge 500% in December 2024, Primarily Driven by the U.S. Market
The U.S. stands out as the primary destination for China’s nicotine pouch exports, absorbing 96.99% of the total export volume. This dominance highlights the central role the U.S. market plays in the growth of this new product category.
France
19 February – Nicotine Insider
France Becomes 2nd EU Country to Ban Disposables
The French parliament voted on Thursday 13th to ban single-use (disposable) e-cigarettes and vaping products, citing concerns over their role in youth tobacco addiction and environmental harm.
USA
California Lawmakers Propose Bill that Would Ban the Sale of Disposable E-cigarettes
California state lawmakers have announced a bill that would ban the sale of new or refurbished disposable electronic cigarettes.