FLER at APE

Russia will place e-cigarettes and related nicotine products under its “strategic goods” framework from August 20, 2026. According to TVP World’s report published on August 19, the newly listed items include e-cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, vape liquids and nicotine salts. Individuals who illegally move these products across Russia’s customs border or its state border with other Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) members could face up to five years in prison if shipment values exceed 100,000 rubles (about €1,000), provided all elements of a criminal offence are established.

China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) has released a draft mandatory national standard for heated cigarettes, setting out detailed requirements for tobacco sticks, heating devices and aerosols. The proposal treats the stick and device as parts of the same product system, focuses on minimum safety and quality requirements, and leaves several heating architectures within scope.

Philip Morris International’s second-quarter net revenues rose 10.4% to a record $11.19 billion, as heated tobacco and e-vapor expanded across international markets. IQOS remained the main smoke-free growth engine, while VEEV shipments jumped 55.1%. In the United States, however, ZYN shipments increased just 1.8% and consumer offtake was broadly flat to slightly higher. Cigarette volumes also rose, showing that PMI’s transformation is advancing, but growth is becoming increasingly uneven across categories and markets.

The UK government has launched a nationwide consultation on vape packaging, appearance and retail displays, proposing tighter rules to reduce youth appeal while industry groups warn of significant compliance costs.

Nasdaq-listed vape company iSpire Technology has restructured its leadership team, with Tuanfang Liu becoming the company’s sole chief executive officer (CEO) and Michael Wang appointed CEO of Aspire North America. The move ends iSpire’s previous co-CEO structure and creates clearer responsibilities between group strategy and regional execution. Separately, BTIG initiated coverage on iSpire Technology with a Buy rating and a $3.50 price target, identifying ODM growth opportunities as a key investment factor.

Pennsylvania’s June 26 ENDS Pending Certifications list previews the state’s future legal vape market, placing Vuse, JUUL and Logic alongside Chinese-linked disposable brands OXBAR and LYCO. Shaped by PMTA eligibility and state rules, the list shows competition shifting from market share to market access.