FLER at APE

The Scottish Government plans to remove business rates relief from vape shops from April 1, 2027, saying the measure is intended to ensure vape retailers contribute to the high street and align rates relief with public health commitments, while the impact on convenience stores that sell vaping products remains unclear.

Imperial Brands has outlined what the newly approved UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 means for retailers. The legislation received Royal Assent on April 29, 2026, and gives the Government powers to extend tobacco-style regulation to a wider range of products, including vaping products, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and cigarette papers. Imperial Brands emphasized that most measures will be introduced in phases rather than taking effect immediately.

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has warned the public not to believe claims that nicotine pouches are harmless, saying the products contain high levels of nicotine that can enter the bloodstream through the mouth lining and affect the nervous system and brain.

According to Better Retailing, Philip Morris International (PMI) has launched Zyn Menthol Ice 16.5mg in the UK, marking the highest-strength nicotine pouch in the Zyn range to date. The eucalyptus- and menthol-flavored product is now available through PMI Open and will begin rolling out to wholesale channels from the end of May.

France remains one of Europe’s active vape markets in 2026, with adult vaping prevalence rising to 7.9%; at the same time, e-liquid taxation, public-space restrictions, advertising compliance and health-risk debate are pushing the industry into a critical policy period.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released its first estimate of the illicit nicotine market, finding that about 80% of cigarettes, vapes and other nicotine products consumed in 2025 came from illegal sources, reigniting debate over tobacco taxation and enforcement policies.