FLER at APE

Ispire Technology and IKE Tech issued statements after the U.S. FDA received Congressional funding and directives to strengthen enforcement against illicit vaping products. The companies emphasized updated guidance, multi-agency coordination and the role of blockchain and age-verification technologies in preventing illegal imports and protecting youth.

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello faced renewed scrutiny in Parliament’s health select committee over her handling of tobacco-related policy and alleged ties to the tobacco industry. The government is considering allowing smokeless nicotine products such as snus and nicotine pouches, provided they meet safety and youth-access regulations.

According to The Grocer, Morrisons has reached an agreement with The E-Cig Store to open vaping concessions in more than 400 supermarkets. The first unit will open next month in Rotherham. The deal will expand compliant vaping product offerings and follows Morrisons’ ongoing cooperation with rival retailer VPZ.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned online delivery platforms not to breach Australian vape laws and said it worked with two major companies to remove non-compliant material. Under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, advertising vapes to the public is banned and sales are pharmacy-only; tobacconists and convenience stores cannot supply vapes. TGA will continue enforcement, with severe penalties for breaches.

Thailand Chonburi provincial police, in coordination with multiple agencies, raided a large-scale warehouse in downtown Chonburi used for producing and distributing e-cigarettes and vape liquids. Two Chinese nationals were arrested, and more than 40 categories of contraband—including vapes, e-liquids, and production equipment—were seized, with an estimated total value exceeding US$920,000 (about 30 million Thai baht).

Customs officers in Khabarovsk seized nearly 13,000 illegally imported vapes worth ₽11 million. The undeclared goods evaded about $225,000 in customs duties and lacked safety and labeling certificates. The case is pending court review as Russia considers a nationwide vape sales ban.