FLER at APE

The European Commission has published its evaluation of the EU tobacco control framework, assessing the effectiveness, efficiency and relevance of the Tobacco Products Directive and Tobacco Advertising Directive in protecting public health and ensuring the smooth functioning of the internal market.

Imperial Brands said it will gradually close the Reemtsma factory in Langenhagen near Hanover by 2027 after efforts to find a buyer failed to produce a sustainable agreement. The factory has produced cigarettes since 1971 and currently affects around 600 employees. The company said it had examined all realistic options over recent months but did not receive a binding offer from a potential buyer.

2Firsts has learned that France’s national health authority, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), confirmed the role of e-cigarettes will be addressed in updated national smoking-cessation guidelines expected by the end of 2026. HAS said the recommendations will focus on clinical and public-health considerations, will not set technical standards for vaping products, and that current studies are insufficient to clearly assess risks and benefits across different product categories.

Escalating tensions involving Iran are disrupting air transit routes heavily used for China’s vape exports to Europe, preventing the usual post–Lunar New Year freight rate decline. While Europe-bound capacity reliant on Middle East hubs faces pressure, shipments to the United States remain largely unaffected for now. However, potential jet fuel price increases could broaden cost pressures globally.

Philip Morris said it is accelerating its transition toward smoke-free products in Spain and claimed that the related economic impact now exceeds EUR 3.3 billion. Philip Morris also said that more than 90% of nicotine consumption in Spain still comes from conventional cigarettes, leaving room for growth in smoke-free categories, while regulation and taxation remain major obstacles in its view.

On March 17, Smoore International Holdings Limited released its annual results for the year ended December 31, 2025. Revenue reached RMB 14.256 billion, up 20.8% year on year. Gross profit was RMB 4.857 billion, with a gross margin of 34.1%. Profit for the year was RMB 1.062 billion, down 18.5%, while adjusted profit for the year was RMB 1.530 billion, up 1.3%. By segment, revenue from enterprise customers was RMB 11.344 billion and revenue from own-brand business was RMB 2.912 billion.