FLER at APE

Philip Morris Japan announced on April 23 at a product briefing that ZYN by IQOS, an oral tobacco pouch previously launched in selected areas, will expand sales in Tokyo. The company said the product will be released progressively from May 11 through IQOS shops, Lawson and other outlets in the city. The launch will include four flavors, each offered in Low and Medium intensity levels, for a total of eight products.

City of York Council is considering new plans that would allow fines of up to GBP 200.00 (approximately USD 260.00) for traders caught selling illegal single-use vapes.

Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said an amendment that would give Russian regions the power to ban vape sales is planned for adoption in May. Volodin said the decision concerns the health of citizens, especially children. He also said doctors have recorded a 30% increase in patients with respiratory diseases caused or aggravated by vape use, with adolescents and people under 35 most often affected.

AIR Limited announced on May 7, 2026, that it plans to open a new manufacturing facility of approximately 70,000 square feet in Stefanesti, Bucharest North, Romania. The facility is expected to begin operations by the first quarter of 2027. AIR said that once fully operational, the facility is expected to support more than 150 jobs and be capable of producing more than 4,000 tons of flavored shisha molasses each year.

HM Revenue and Customs announced that from April 1, 2026, UK vaping product manufacturers, importers and warehousekeepers can apply for approval under Vaping Products Duty (VPD) and the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme (VDS). Under new GOV.UK guidance, Vaping Products Duty will take effect on October 1, 2026 and will apply to all vaping liquids, whether they contain nicotine or not.

Bangladesh’s new government has approved a broad tobacco control amendment that bans tobacco advertising, promotion and display across print, electronic, digital and social media, entertainment platforms and points of sale. The law does not cover newer products such as vapes, heated tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery systems or nicotine pouches.