FLER at APE

An illegal e-cigarette oil factory was shut down in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The illegal e-cigarette oil was produced under unsanitary conditions, with falsified addresses and production dates on product labels. Some of the employees were hearing-impaired. The Russian government plans a complete ban on e-cigarette sales, which has received support from the president.

RLX Technology has launched a RMB 4 million guide dog program in China, delivering the first 10 trained dogs as its RELX brand expands social responsibility efforts amid a nationwide shortage.

HiTaste has introduced its new HNB device, the F10, on social media, highlighting its wrap-around heating and dual-heating features. Similar “dual-heating” and “one-stick-two-sessions” designs were widely showcased at InterTabac 2025, signaling that this technical direction is emerging as a new competitive focus among HNB brands.

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.

Thailand Chonburi provincial police, in coordination with multiple agencies, raided a large-scale warehouse in downtown Chonburi used for producing and distributing e-cigarettes and vape liquids. Two Chinese nationals were arrested, and more than 40 categories of contraband—including vapes, e-liquids, and production equipment—were seized, with an estimated total value exceeding US$920,000 (about 30 million Thai baht).

Inter Tabac 2025, held in Dortmund, Germany, took place from September 18th to 20th. 2Firsts observed that some booths, including those of NYSM, KIWI, Mevol, and FLERBAR, showcased small e-cigarettes. These devices were smaller or thinner than traditional disposable or cartridge-based e-cigarettes and lacked screen functionality.