FLER at APE

Health groups in Nevada are urging lawmakers to nearly double the state cigarette tax and extend similar tax changes to other nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.

China-based China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd. has filed a patent application covering an oral nicotine product and its preparation method. The patent proposes a soft candy-shaped oral nicotine product containing nicotine ingredients, gelling agents, sweeteners and alkaline pH regulators. Through formulation adjustments and homogeneous or dual-layer structures, the technology aims to achieve different nicotine release profiles. The filing reflects exploration of new oral nicotine product formats and controlled nicotine delivery approaches.

China-based Shenzhen Huabao Collaborative Innovation Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd. has filed a patent application for a nicotine-ascorbic acid cocrystal, exploring a new solid-state form of nicotine. The patent proposes applications across e-liquids, heated tobacco sticks, oral tobacco, chewing tobacco and snuff. In nicotine pouch tests disclosed in the filing, cocrystal formulations showed less than a 6% decline in nicotine content after three months of accelerated storage and a release profile combining early-stage release with sustained delivery over 60 minutes. The filing reflects exploration of nicotine forms beyond conventional nicotine base and nicotine salts.

FDA’s proposed rule requiring foreign tobacco manufacturers to register establishments and list products is more than routine paperwork, Keller and Heckman LLP partner Azim Chowdhury told 2Firsts. He said it could strengthen FDA’s import enforcement, inspections and market surveillance. Chinese e-cigarette OEM/ODM manufacturers, specification developers, brand owners and component suppliers may need to review their roles, product data and U.S. market authorization status.

British American Tobacco’s (BAT) nicotine pouch brand Velo has released a global consumer study and launched its “Echoes of Tomorrowland” campaign with electronic music festival brand Tomorrowland. The research surveyed 2,009 nicotine users across the UK, Spain, Pakistan, Poland and Austria. Velo said 61% of respondents feel more comfortable expressing themselves when they see others doing the same, while 39% said building meaningful connections becomes harder with age. The campaign reflects how nicotine pouch brands are increasingly using music, communities and lifestyle marketing to build consumer engagement.

HM Revenue & Customs is urging members of the public to report vape shops, barber shops and other high-street businesses suspected of tax fraud, money laundering or other illegal activity, with informants not required to provide personal details. HMRC plans more than 30,000 interventions in 2026-27 targeting tax fraud, organised crime and illicit activity, including the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco. The push forms part of a broader UK effort to tackle organised crime on high streets, backed by a £30 million government enforcement programme.