FLER at APE

The Korea Customs Service (KCS) has released a list of 236 habitual and large-scale customs tax delinquents with total unpaid taxes amounting to approximately USD 917 million. Among them, a vape wholesaler tops the individual list, owing about USD 15.57 million, while another vape-related company owes roughly USD 12.02 million.

Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) announced that CEO Billy Gifford will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 14, 2026, after more than 30 years with the company. The Board of Directors has elected Salvatore (Sal) Mancuso, Altria’s current Executive Vice President and CFO, to succeed him as CEO.

British American Tobacco (BAT) introduced the VELO Shift nicotine pouch in September 2025, featuring a hexagonal outer can and an oval-triangle pouch shape that departs from traditional designs. Two months after launch, the product is available in the U.K., U.S. and Sweden. Social-media feedback indicates the design has been well received, while some users are calling for higher nicotine strength.

A new poll commissioned by We Vape UK reveals that most Britons favor regulation — not prohibition — of nicotine pouches. The survey shows broad public support for harm-reduction policies and frustration with weak government regulation, contrasting sharply with Ireland’s recent decision to ban disposable vapes and impose strict limits on nicotine products.

Philip Morris Bangladesh Limited (PMBL) has received approval to invest USD 5.82 million in a nicotine pouch factory in Narayanganj. Regulators say the project is legal under existing laws, while health groups argue it breaches a 2016 Supreme Court order and poses youth addiction risks.

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration has announced that establishments selling vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products with medicinal or therapeutic claims must secure Licenses to Operate. Such products are also required to be registered as pharmaceutical products through the Center for Drug Regulation and Research. The FDA urged stakeholders to comply with the new requirements to ensure product safety, efficacy and quality.