FLER at APE

A Philippine Department of Trade and Industry official told a Senate hearing on vaping regulations that flavored vape products marketed with descriptors attractive to minors are “100 percent smuggled” and did not pass the agency’s licensing process.

Philip Morris International said it is selling its stake in Swedish Match do Brasil, which controls the Brazilian household goods brand Fiat Lux. The buyer is Ignis FIP, a Brazilian private investment vehicle backed by businessman Marcos Fernando Garms. The transaction also includes Swedish Match da Amazônia, but the value of the deal was not disclosed. PMI said the sale is aligned with its vision of a smoke-free future.

Japanese Tobacco (JT) reports Q1 2026 revenue of 924 billion yen, a 15.2% increase; operating profit rises 24.7%.

A Turkey’s draft would impose major limits on the use of tobacco products in public buildings, educational and healthcare institutions, children’s areas, and outdoor events, while setting a 2040 target for a complete ban on the production, sale, and consumption of tobacco products. The draft also broadens the definition of tobacco products to include e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and all nicotine-containing systems.

British American Tobacco Malaysia has announced a workforce optimisation exercise aimed at streamlining operations ahead of a major shift in its distribution strategy.

Carlos Cabrera, founder of CabLab Law & Advocacy, contributes this article to 2Firsts, arguing that the EU’s evolving approach to novel tobacco regulation may unintentionally reinforce cigarette use by narrowing alternatives. He warns companies to watch signals on flavours, labelling, traceability, nicotine pouch rules and digital marketing, while grounding business decisions in realistic timelines, compliance planning and continuous monitoring.