Biden Administration Faces Opposition over Proposed Menthol Ban

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nov.20.2023
Biden Administration Faces Opposition over Proposed Menthol Ban
Biden administration faces bipartisan opposition as it considers a ban on menthol cigarettes, with concerns about economic impact and racial disparities.

According to a report in The Washington Observer on November 19, the Biden administration is facing opposition from both parties over its decision on the proposed ban on menthol cigarettes. Critics argue that this move will have a negative impact on the economy and disproportionately affect communities of color.

 

The decision on whether to implement a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars is expected to be released as early as this week, following the first proposal made by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in spring 2021.

 

Legislators and advocacy groups have criticized the proposal, arguing that it would lead to an increase in illegal sales and inconsistent enforcement.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

JTI’s Nordic Spirit Signs Co-op Live Partnership Ahead of New UK Nicotine Sponsorship Restrictions
JTI’s Nordic Spirit Signs Co-op Live Partnership Ahead of New UK Nicotine Sponsorship Restrictions
JTI nicotine pouch brand Nordic Spirit has entered a long-term partnership with Manchester’s Co-op Live, becoming the venue’s Official Nicotine Pouch Partner. The 23,500-capacity venue is the UK’s largest indoor live entertainment arena. Nordic Spirit will run in-venue activations for existing adult nicotine consumers and sell products at selected arena bars. The agreement was entered into before the relevant UK sponsorship restrictions were introduced, while the government intends to implement a comprehensive ban on advertising and sponsorship of vaping and nicotine products from June 1, 2027.
Sep.07
Special Report | How Capital Is Reassessing the Global Tobacco and Modern Nicotine Industry: Lessons from a New York Forum
Special Report | How Capital Is Reassessing the Global Tobacco and Modern Nicotine Industry: Lessons from a New York Forum
Capital is reassessing the global tobacco and modern nicotine industry as heated tobacco, vaping and nicotine pouches reshape demand, profitability and regulation. At the 2026 New Approaches Summit in New York, investors and analysts examined whether smoke-free growth can sustain earnings, how regulation shapes startup value, and whether shareholder engagement can be more effective than divestment. The debate points to a broader shift: tobacco transition is increasingly becoming a capital-allocation, governance and valuation question.
Capital Markets
Oct.05
Germany Probes 7.6 Million Illegal Vape Case With Estimated €33.3 Million Tax Loss; Four Chinese Manufacturer Employees Under Investigation, Some Packaging in Enforcement Images Resembles FUMOT Products
Germany Probes 7.6 Million Illegal Vape Case With Estimated €33.3 Million Tax Loss; Four Chinese Manufacturer Employees Under Investigation, Some Packaging in Enforcement Images Resembles FUMOT Products
German prosecutors and customs authorities are conducting a criminal investigation into an alleged cross-border organised vape network. Authorities say that between January 2024 and March 2025, four employees of an unnamed Chinese e-cigarette manufacturer allegedly built a network of sales agents and wholesalers that brought more than 7.6 million nicotine disposable vapes into Germany, causing an estimated €33.3 million in excise-tax losses. The manufacturer has not been named. Some products visible in enforcement images have packaging resembling products from FUMOT’s portfolio. European regulatory records from 2024, FUMOT’s public overseas-sales materials and records involving German vape importer and distribution company Zamu-Pro GmbH also show FUMOT/RandM products and German distribution activity during the period covered by the investigation.
Sep.21
JTI Makes Third Bet on South Korea as Ploom AURA Enters a Market Dominated by lil and IQOS
JTI Makes Third Bet on South Korea as Ploom AURA Enters a Market Dominated by lil and IQOS
Japan Tobacco International is stepping up its heated tobacco push in South Korea with Ploom AURA. Since its official launch in April 2026, the device's limited First Edition and Glacier White version have sold out, while distribution has expanded across Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province and airport duty-free channels. The rollout marks JTI's third major attempt to build a stronger heated tobacco position in South Korea, following Ploom TECH in 2019 and Ploom X Advanced in 2024. At the group level, JT plans to invest about ¥800 billion, approximately $5 billion, in reduced-risk products from 2026 through 2028, with heated products and Ploom identified as its primary investment priority.
Aug.14
Switzerland Tightens Vape Checks as Only 3 of 32 Tested Products Meet New Tobacco Rules
Switzerland Tightens Vape Checks as Only 3 of 32 Tested Products Meet New Tobacco Rules
According to Swiss media outlet Blick, local authorities are strengthening compliance checks on vape products, nicotine pouches and other tobacco-related products following the implementation of Switzerland’s revised Tobacco Products Act. A Basel laboratory tested 32 disposable vapes and e-liquids, with only three meeting regulatory requirements and 21 products banned from sale. Swiss authorities are also expanding retail inspections, laboratory testing and youth purchase checks to enforce the new tobacco and nicotine product rules.
Aug.12
Germany's Four-Year Tobacco Tax Plan Heads to Parliament as BAT, JTI and PMI Push for Changes
Germany's Four-Year Tobacco Tax Plan Heads to Parliament as BAT, JTI and PMI Push for Changes
Germany's parliament is scheduled to hold a first reading of amendments to the Tobacco Tax Act on September 24. The government plans annual tax increases from 2027 through 2030 covering cigarettes, heated tobacco, vaping liquids and other categories. It expects the reform to generate €756 million in additional revenue in 2027, rising to €3.589 billion in additional annual revenue by 2030. Ahead of the parliamentary debate, the German Association of the Tobacco Industry and Novel Products, or BVTE, launched the "Tabaksteuer mit Augenmaß" campaign backed by BAT, JTI, Philip Morris, Reemtsma and wholesale and retail groups.
Sep.23