Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | Weeks 05 & 06
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 05 and 06 Highlights:
UK
27 January – Proactive Financial News
BAT Surges on UBS Backing for Nicotine Pouch Growth
BAT jumped 4.3% after UBS rated it a ‘buy,’ citing Velo’s nicotine pouch growth, with new category sales expected to hit 16% by 2026. UBS raised BAT’s price target from 3,000p to 3,900p, noting potential for buybacks and debt reduction. Regulatory headwinds appear to be easing, with the US backing away from a menthol ban under the Trump Administration.
UK
Dual Use of Cigarettes & E-Cigs Rises in the UK, But Misconceptions Persist
A UCL study found that dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes in the UK rose from 3.5% in 2016 to 5.2% in 2024, with young smokers driving the increase. While data suggests dual use reduces cigarette consumption, misconceptions about vaping risks may discourage smokers from fully switching.
Bangladesh
28 January – Daily Capital Views
CAPHRA Urges Bangladesh to Embrace Tobacco Harm Reduction
Coalition of Asia Pacific Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) calls for Bangladesh to lift its ban on ENDS, highlighting that Tobacco Harm Reduction could prevent 920,000 deaths in the next 40 years. The coalition points to global successes, urging evidence-based policies to reduce smoking and improve public health.
Luxembourg
Philip Morris Pushes Back on Nicotine Sachet Regulations in Luxembourg
Philip Morris is lobbying against proposed nicotine limits for sachets in Luxembourg, arguing that the draft law’s 0.048mg nicotine cap would effectively ban their products. The company advocates for a higher 16.6mg limit, emphasizing consumer needs for safer alternatives and warning of a potential rise in the black market.
USA
Opinion: Youth Smoking Decline Thanks to Vaping, Yet It’s Overlooked
Ken Warner, a leading nicotine expert at the University of Michigan, published a study in American Journal of Public Health noting that teen smoking rates have dropped dramatically in the U.S. and Canada, with fewer than 1% of teens smoking daily, compared to 25% in the 1990s. Warner credits the rise of vaping for this rapid decline. He criticizes public health authorities for overlooking vaping’s positive impact on smoking cessation and continuing to treat nicotine as harmful as tobacco.
France
France Set to Ban Disposable Vapes
France is moving to ban disposable vapes to tackle youth vaping and environmental issues, aligning with EU efforts. The bill, which passed the joint committee on January 23, is expected to be approved by the Senate. This positions France as the second EU country, after Belgium, to enforce such a ban.
Australia
South Australia Becomes First State to Ban Nicotine Pouches
South Australia has imposed an immediate ban on nicotine pouches, citing high nicotine levels and concerns over youth appeal. The government warns that some pouches contain up to 120mg of nicotine, far exceeding cigarettes, with fines reaching $1.5 million for illegal sales.
Ireland
Ireland Introduces Vape Licensing Fees to Curb Illicit Sales
Starting February 2, 2025, Irish retailers must pay €800 annually to sell vaping products and €1,000 for tobacco. The Health Service Executive will enforce compliance, with violators facing license revocation. While BAT Ireland supports the move, concerns remain over the exclusion of tobacco-free nicotine pouches.
Portugal
Portugal Tightens E-Cigarette Regulations
Portugal’s Amendment to the Tobacco Law 63/2017 aligns with the EU TPD, restricting e-cigarette sales, advertising, and public use. The National Strategy to Fight Cancer 2021-2030 proposes further controls, including price hikes and stricter retail conditions. Implementation details remain unclear.
Canada
Canada Delays Vape Flavour Ban Amid Concerns Over Black Market & Smoking Rates
Canada’s national vape flavour ban is off the table for 2025, with the government citing enforcement challenges and upcoming elections. A study found 68% of smokers who switched to vaping used flavours set to be banned, sparking concerns the move could push vapers back to smoking.