FLER at APE

Belarusian lawmakers are drafting a new bill to regulate the vape market amid growing concern over youth nicotine use and the spread of illegal products. While a total ban is not planned, the focus will be on stricter licensing, advertising limits, and higher taxes.

The European Union will abstain from voting at the upcoming 11th session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP11) in Geneva, following months of internal disagreement over how to regulate tobacco and nicotine products. The decision marks a rare and public fracture in EU health policy, reportedly driven by the European Commission’s hardline anti-tobacco stance.

Philip Morris International (PMI) has partnered with Italian design brand Seletti on a limited-edition IQOS collaboration, unveiled at Milan’s Pirelli HangarBicocca. The collection features two models, launching first in Japan before rolling out to 13 global travel retail markets. PMI says the partnership leverages design and cultural storytelling to advance its smoke-free transition.

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.

British Columbia, Canada is advancing what it calls the world’s first e-cigarette Public Health Accountability law, granting the government authority to sue companies for “deceptive marketing.” The move puts public-health risks at the center of vaping industry compliance.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo submitted a proposal to reform the General Health Law to the President of the House of Representatives, Kenia López Rabadán. The core content of the proposal is to ban e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and similar devices to protect public health. In early 2025, a congressional standing committee confirmed the constitutional validity of the health reform.