FLER at APE

Belarus will increase excise taxes in 2026 on vapes, liquids for electronic smoking systems, and non-tobacco nicotine products, with a proposed 20% rise aimed at aligning these rates with traditional cigarettes. Electronic smoking devices and heated tobacco systems will also be added to the list of excisable goods. Excise taxes on filtered cigarettes and heated tobacco will rise by 7% and 3% respectively.

At the Financial Times Illicit Trade Forum in Taguig City, Rodney Van Dooren, Regional Illicit Trade Expert at Philip Morris International (PMI), said illicit consumption of smoke-free products (including e-cigarettes) in the Philippines “could be as high as 80%.” He cited a large discrepancy between China’s e-cigarette export figures and the Philippines’ official import data, suggesting significant volumes are entering outside formal channels.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has submitted a proposal to the Government Office recommending that “e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products” be added to the list of prohibited investment and business sectors in the amended Investment Law. The proposal aligns with National Assembly Resolution No. 173/2024/QH15, which bans the production, trade, import, and use of these products starting in 2025.

Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) reported that from Sep 1 to Oct 12, 1,339 people were caught for vape-related offences, including 102 found in possession of etomidate-laced vapes.

An e-cigarette smuggling operation was uncovered in the Lviv region of Ukraine, resulting in the seizure of 7,500 Elfbar e-cigarettes, valued at over 1.8 million hryvnia (approximately $40,000). The case is under investigation under Ukrainian criminal law.

Vape retailer Haypp reports that 62.5% of vapers still use disposable vapes, rising to 82% among those aged 25–34. 35% of disposable users say they are still buying disposables. Black-market purchases reportedly come mainly from local smaller shops (55%) and specialist vape stores (37%), as well as supermarkets, online retailers and car boot sales. 78.5% of respondents are using pre-ban stock, posing safety risks from aging lithium-ion batteries; 14% plan to continue buying disposables,.