FLER at APE

At the first Cigar Culture Summit before InterTabac 2025, global cigar leaders discussed sustainability in tobacco-growing areas. Speakers emphasized the growing importance of education, environmental compliance, and ethical supply chains, noting that sustainability has become a core business necessity. Faced with increasing ESG demands, stricter regulations, and cultural differences, the industry is adapting to build a more resilient future.

In 2025, Altria Group, Inc. of the United States announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Global Cooperation with South Korea's KT&G Company, aiming to find growth opportunities in the fields of modern oral nicotine products and non-nicotine products and improve the efficiency of traditional tobacco business.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram, who chairs the National Health Commission (NHC), presided over a meeting aligning the nation’s e-cigarette control policies with the government’s “Quick Big Win” anti-drug strategy. The session reviewed progress under the National Health Assembly Resolution on Protecting Children and Youth from E-Cigarettes, which includes five key measures on awareness, enforcement, and prevention.

RLX Technology has launched a RMB 4 million guide dog program in China, delivering the first 10 trained dogs as its RELX brand expands social responsibility efforts amid a nationwide shortage.

France to introduce tax on e-cigarette liquid in new budget proposal, with rates ranging from 30 to 50 euro cents per 10ml.

Indonesia’s National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri) will continue to take enforcement action against users and distributors of etomidate-laced vape liquids, even though the substance is not yet classified as a narcotic. Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crimes, said etomidate is an anaesthetic drug regulated under Health Law No. 17 of 2023, but has not been listed as a narcotic or psychotropic substance.