FLER at APE

Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has called on the European Union to take stronger action on vaping, saying it is becoming an “epidemic” and accusing the industry of targeting young people.

The report says an international operation across EU countries aimed at detecting illicit substances in e-cigarettes also took place in South Cyprus, where multiple e-liquid items and products containing cannabis and THC were seized. It states the operation, titled “eVAPER8,” was conducted by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in November and December to identify e-cigarette liquids that may contain synthetic drugs.

Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) announced that it will launch “SENTIA Purple Capsule,” the first capsule-equipped product in its SENTIA lineup dedicated to the heated tobacco “IQOS ILUMA” series, as an early release in Japan. The product will roll out nationwide starting from IQOS Stores, and will enter tobacco retail channels nationwide from April 6.

The European Commission has formally published its decision approving Bulgarian legislation banning the placing on the market, offering and sale of disposable e-cigarettes.

Japan will implement price increases centered on heated tobacco products from April 1, 2026, following a tobacco tax hike. BAT Japan has decided to keep current prices unchanged for 38 glo-compatible tobacco stick products across the Velo, neo, Lucky Strike, and Kent lines.

NSW Health has shut down five Inner West Sydney stores for 90 days after a major seizure of illicit cigarettes and illegal vapes, with two additional premises in Northern NSW also served closure notices. The action forms part of a broader crackdown that has seen 66 stores closed since new laws took effect in late 2025, with NSW Health warning further enforcement — including prosecution — may follow.