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Switzerland's Geneva to enforce ban on disposable e-cigarettes following court ruling
Switzerland's Geneva to enforce ban on disposable e-cigarettes following court ruling
The Canton of Geneva has begun enforcing its ban on disposable e-cigarettes (“puffs”) after the cantonal court rejected industry appeals to suspend the law. Passed on August 29 by the Grand Council, the ban will now be actively monitored by trade inspectors, while a similar measure is already in force in Valais.
Nov.07
Bulgaria to Increase Tobacco and Nicotine Product Taxes in 2026, Expected to Generate Additional Revenue of 130 Million Euros
Bulgaria to Increase Tobacco and Nicotine Product Taxes in 2026, Expected to Generate Additional Revenue of 130 Million Euros
Bulgaria will raise excise taxes on cigarettes, cigars, heated tobacco, and e-cigarette liquids starting January 2026. The increase, approved under the 2026 state budget, will be implemented gradually over four years. The Ministry of Finance expects the reform to generate about €130 million in additional revenue by 2026.
Nov.07
U.S FDA Announces Dec. 8 Deadline for IQOS MRTP Renewal Comments
U.S FDA Announces Dec. 8 Deadline for IQOS MRTP Renewal Comments
The U.S. FDA has set December 8, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET as the closing date for public comments on the MRTP renewal applications submitted by Philip Morris Products S.A. for several IQOS heated tobacco products.
Nov.07
Russia’s FSB Seizes Illegal Vape Warehouse Worth USD 6 Million
Russia’s FSB Seizes Illegal Vape Warehouse Worth USD 6 Million
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in the Tula Region dismantled an underground warehouse containing counterfeit vape products worth over 500 million rubles (approximately USD 6 million). A 27-year-old suspect was detained and faces up to 12 years in prison.
Nov.06
Report: Smoking Rates Remain Unchanged Despite Kazakhstan’s Vape Ban
Report: Smoking Rates Remain Unchanged Despite Kazakhstan’s Vape Ban
According to Exclusive.KZ, Kazakhstan’s Strategy Public Foundation released a study finding that strict tobacco and vape bans have not reduced smoking rates, which remain at 18–20%. The report calls for harm reduction approaches based on international best practices.
Nov.06
Abu Dhabi Closes Two Stores Near Schools Over Vape Sales Violations
Abu Dhabi Closes Two Stores Near Schools Over Vape Sales Violations
The Abu Dhabi Business Registration Authority (ADRA) closed two commercial establishments and issued 61 warnings and 18 fines to outlets near schools for violating tobacco and e-cigarette sales regulations, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The measures aim to protect youth and ensure compliance with the Federal Anti-Tobacco Law.
Nov.06
Malaysia Collected US$50.07 million in Vape Tax Since April 2023
Malaysia Collected US$50.07 million in Vape Tax Since April 2023
Malaysia collected RM209.5 million(US$50.07 million) in excise duty on nicotine-containing vape liquids and gels from April 2023 to August 2025, according to Finance Ministry data. However, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said RM223.5 million was spent treating EVALI patients in the past year alone, exceeding the tax revenue.
Nov.06
Bhutan to Impose 115% Tax on E-cigarettes Starting January 2026
Bhutan to Impose 115% Tax on E-cigarettes Starting January 2026
The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Bhutan has announced stronger actions to combat the growing threat of e-cigarette use, especially among youth. While no new vaping-related lung collapse cases have been reported since 2024, the MoH confirmed that fiscal and legal reforms are underway to include e-cigarettes in tax and tobacco control laws starting January 2026.
Nov.05
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2FIRSTS Exclusive Insights
CSUR, the Research Institute Supporting Juul’s PMTA Research, Outlines a New Pathway for Nicotine Pouches
CSUR, the Research Institute Supporting Juul’s PMTA Research, Outlines a New Pathway for Nicotine Pouches
CSUR—the Research Institute Supporting Juul and NJOY’s successful PMTAs—assessed FDA’s pilot for nicotine pouches. The program expedites premarket review by deferring behavioral data to post-market reporting. CSUR says this could speed authorizations, but manufacturers must still produce behavioral and real-world evidence after a Marketing Granted Order to maintain compliance with public-health standards.
Nov.04
Expert Warns in 2Firsts Op-ed: Proposed COP11 Ban on Nicotine Pouches Would Be a Global Public Health Mistake
Expert Warns in 2Firsts Op-ed: Proposed COP11 Ban on Nicotine Pouches Would Be a Global Public Health Mistake
As global delegates prepare for COP11, a leaked EU position paper has sparked fresh debate over the future of nicotine pouch regulation. In an exclusive op-ed submitted to 2Firsts, Dr. Nveed Chaudhary, Chair of GINN’s Scientific Committee, argues that banning nicotine pouches would be a profound public health mistake—one that ignores harm reduction science and risks reversing global progress in smoking cessation.
Nov.03
Feature | Vape Politics in Russia: Local Governments Push Forward Despite Legislative Deadlock
Feature | Vape Politics in Russia: Local Governments Push Forward Despite Legislative Deadlock
As Russia’s federal vape policy stalls, regional governors are racing to implement local bans—now with the backing of President Vladimir Putin. The divide between swift local action and delayed national legislation is fueling debate over health, regulation, and the country’s broader approach to nicotine control.
Oct.28
Opinion | Samrat Chowdhery: Tobacco Price Elasticity—A Convenient Myth?
Opinion | Samrat Chowdhery: Tobacco Price Elasticity—A Convenient Myth?
This opinion piece, submitted by Samrat Chowdhery to 2Firsts, challenges the logic of tobacco price elasticity. It argues that high taxes often harm vulnerable populations and fuel illicit markets rather than reducing smoking.
Oct.21
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