HEADLINE

JTI Korea said it will rebrand the dedicated stick line for its heated tobacco device Ploom, changing the name from “Mebius for Ploom” to “EVO.”

Poland plans to amend its tobacco control legislation, proposing a ban on disposable e-cigarettes (both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free) while simultaneously tightening regulations on nicotine pouches and other novel nicotine products. Nicotine pouches may be permitted only in "tobacco flavour" variants to reduce their appeal to young people.

Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) began advance sales on March 10 for the fifth limited-edition color of its heated tobacco device “Ploom AURA,” named “Fuchsia Flare.” The product is available through the CLUB JT online shop and Ploom Shops nationwide at a price of JPY 2,980. From March 17, it will also be sold in limited quantities at convenience stores nationwide and selected tobacco retailers.

After Portugal included nicotine pouches in the excise-tax (IEC) framework for tobacco and nicotine products, PMI’s Portuguese subsidiary Tabaqueira confirmed it will begin selling nicotine pouches in the country this year. The company is preparing a soft launch in two stores ahead of wider distribution, as the tax and regulatory position becomes clearer.

Galicia will implement a new “Minor Health Protection and Addictive Behaviors Prevention” law this Saturday, becoming the first region in Spain to ban the sale and use of vapes for people under 18.

Illinois House Bill 4652 proposes e-cigarette companies establish and fund safe disposal programs to combat environmental risks.

According to Malay Mail and Bernama, Malaysia’s maritime enforcement agency intercepted a suspicious lorry at a jetty in Kedah’s Kuala Sanglang and seized nearly 16,500 vape devices worth more than RM500,000 (about US$125,000). Three men were detained for investigation, and the case is being probed under Malaysia’s Customs Act 1967.