To mark World No Tobacco Day 2025, 2Firsts invited Dr. Derek Yach, former Executive Director at the World Health Organization, to share his reflections. In this article, Dr. Yach revisits the origins of WNTD during apartheid-era South Africa, its global rise, and its unfinished mission. He calls on the public health community to more fully embrace tobacco harm reduction and urges the WHO to take stronger leadership in supporting reduced-risk products.

Ahead of World No Tobacco Day, China’s tobacco regulator signaled a push for stricter e-cigarette oversight at a press conference. 2Firsts CEO Alan Zhao noted that regulation is entering a deeper phase, with new focus on export re-entry, international pressure, and the inclusion of herbal vapor products. Authorities also vowed to crack down on illegal operations and unapproved projects.

In an exclusive interview with 2Firsts, former BAT Design Director Jonathon Lister offers an in-depth analysis of the design philosophy and strategic thinking behind glo Hyper Pro. He advocates for design that builds trust, responds to regulation, and conveys values—arguing that the future of novel tobacco products lies not in manufacturing capability, but in cultural judgment and ethical awareness. This is not just the story of a product, but an attempt to reshape the industry's way of thinking

In recent years, smokers in South Korea have increasingly turned to e-cigarettes. The use of nicotine alternatives has led to a younger demographic among smokers, with a rising smoking rate among female adolescents. The government needs to strengthen its regulatory measures.

The South Korean National Assembly has proposed expanding the definition of tobacco, restricting online sales of e-cigarettes, and tightening regulations on synthetic nicotine in an effort to protect youth health.

E-cigarette brand DOJO has recently launched the new COSMOS edition under its DOJO OPAL series, which includes a total of three products. Despite its more compact size, the COSMOS edition retains a 16ml e-liquid capacity and an 800mAh battery, offering up to 12,000 puffs. The product also features detailed labeling of flavor attributes, including sweetness, coolness, and acidity levels.

The Croatian government plans to increase excise taxes on all types of tobacco products starting July 1 and, for the first time, impose a tax on e-liquids, sparking concerns within the industry. The tax reform aims to address budget shortfalls and promote public health goals, but industry critics warn it could fuel black market growth and undermine existing tobacco control efforts.

The U.S. Appeals Court sided with the FDA and rejected SWT's appeal regarding its menthol-flavored e-cigarette marketing application, stating that the company failed to provide sufficient evidence demonstrating that the product benefits public health.

Shenzhen office of the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) announced the launch of a month-long special inspection targeting local vape companies.

The UK banned disposable vapes from June 1, but a BBC undercover report found nearly half of 21 shops in Yorkshire still selling them. Some retailers knowingly continued sales to clear stock, despite the ban.