FLER at APE

Russia is preparing changes to its e-cigarette state standard GOST R 58109–2018. Under a draft order submitted to Rosstandart, the shelf life of vape devices and liquids would be limited to no more than two years, and capacity would be strictly capped at 2 mL for replaceable capsules, 10 mL for disposable systems and 30 mL for refill containers.

Indonesia will strengthen surveillance of vapes amid growing concerns over drug-laced e-cigarettes. The National Food and Drug Monitoring Agency, or BPOM, will soon take charge of monitoring nationwide vape distribution and said it will work with the National Narcotics Agency, or BNN. BNN recently floated a plan to completely ban e-cigarettes, saying a total ban was the only way to prevent liquid narcotics.

Philip Morris International said its Swedish Match facility in Owensboro will adjust part of its production schedule this summer in response to changing market conditions. According to a notice the company gave union leadership and employees on April 22, parts of ZYN production will shift from a 24/7 schedule back to a 24/5 schedule. The ZYN Flagship department will return to a five-day, three-shift operation.

KT&G disclosed on April 16 that it will cancel all 10.87 million treasury shares it currently holds, with the planned cancellation amounting to about KRW 1.85 trillion,（USD 1.26 billion）. The cancellation date is scheduled for April 23.

As the U.S. vapor market faces FDA authorizations, import seizures and growing state-level restrictions, AVM President Allison Boughner told 2Firsts that state product registries and white-list systems are having the most immediate impact. She said distributors are placing greater weight on documentation, product origin and supply-chain transparency.

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry is planning to impose mandatory product certification on nicotine pouches in an effort to curb illicit nicotine product trade.