FLER at APE

British American Tobacco New Zealand said the illicit tobacco trade is responsible for its profit halving and revenue falling between the 2024 and 2025 financial years. Financial results filed with the Companies Office show that BAT Holdings (New Zealand) recorded 2025 revenue of NZ$180.7 million, or about US$106.95 million based on the European Central Bank’s April 27, 2026 reference rates, down from NZ$254 million, or about US$150.33 million, in 2024.

Russia is preparing changes to its e-cigarette state standard GOST R 58109–2018. Under a draft order submitted to Rosstandart, the shelf life of vape devices and liquids would be limited to no more than two years, and capacity would be strictly capped at 2 mL for replaceable capsules, 10 mL for disposable systems and 30 mL for refill containers.

Alan Zhao argues that nicotine pouches are no longer a niche alternative, but a force quietly reshaping the future of tobacco retail. For distributors and retailers, the real risk is not missing a trend—it is moving too late, after regulation tightens, shelf space hardens and the market begins to choose its winners.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has terminated Investigation 337-TA-1410 after invalidating key vape patent claims asserted by R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, removing the immediate risk of import bans for dozens of companies. However, a new case—337-TA-1486—has already opened a more consequential legal front, shifting the focus from patent disputes to regulatory compliance across the vape supply chain, including PACT Act reporting, tax compliance, and FDA marketing authorization.

Now that Act 57 of 2025 is in effect, every manufacturer of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes sold or offered for retail sale in Pennsylvania must be certified by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.

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.