FLER at APE

Singapore's HSA & NEA held a 4-day joint op against e-cig use in Tampines, CBD & other areas: 4 offenders (24-43) caught, fined on-site; 27 e-cigs/accessories seized. Singapore also tightened e-cig enforcement, authorizing over 5k frontline officers on Sept 9; stricter penalties took effect Sept 1—1st under-18s: S$500 (≈US$389), 18+: S$700 (≈US$545); 2nd offenders: 3-mth rehab; 3rd+: prosecution, up to S$2k (≈US$1,557). Etomidate e-cig users face harsher penalties (higher fines, rehab) & prosecu

The U.S. has tightened vaping regulations nationwide. The DOJ, FDA, CBP and DEA seized millions of illegal devices in the largest-ever enforcement action. Several states introduced new laws with registries, packaging limits, and criminal penalties, signaling a shift toward institutionalized regulation and higher compliance costs.

KDCA reports cigarette smoking among Korean men in their 30s fell from 48% (2015) to 28.5% (2024). Including e-cigarettes, overall use was 40.1% in 2024—just 4.9 points below 2019—suggesting a shift to alternatives.

A recent US study found those who recently quit smoking are 3.9 times more likely to use nicotine pouches.

South Korea has enacted the Tobacco Harm Management Act, effective November 1, 2025, requiring tobacco manufacturers and importers to test and report harmful substances in their products every two years. Results for all tobacco types—including combustible cigarettes, heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes—will be publicly available from mid-2026.

A man in Crete suffers dental injuries after e-cigarette explosion, raising concerns over safety. Expert calls for vigilance.