FLER at APE

Daegu’s Jung-gu District announced on Feb. 10 that, following amendments to the Tobacco Business Act that explicitly classify liquid e-cigarettes containing synthetic nicotine as “tobacco” (effective April 24, 2026), the district will expand regulations to include fines for vaping such products in designated nonsmoking areas. The district health office said smokers/vapers could face an administrative fine of up to 100,000 won for using synthetic-nicotine liquid e-cigarettes in smoke-free zones

Azerbaijan is advancing legislative amendments to prohibit the circulation of electronic cigarettes and their components. The proposed changes, discussed at a joint meeting of several parliamentary committees, aim to ban the import, export, production, storage, wholesale and retail sale, and use of e-cigarettes.

Philip Morris International (PMI) has released a white paper calling for cross-sector dialogue on how AI may affect human cognitive abilities. The paper flags risks including “cognitive atrophy” and attention erosion, and warns of a widening cognitive divide and rising pressures on information verification and trust.

British American Tobacco reported FY2025 revenue of £25.61 billion, down 1.0% on a reported basis but up 2.1% at constant currency. New Categories revenue rose 5.5%, with category contribution increasing 77%. Smokeless products accounted for 18.2% of group revenue.

Korean postal system launches nationwide heated tobacco device recycling through post offices and mailboxes, aiming to increase recycling rates.

Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has appointed Gabriella Offeddu as general manager for Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria, effective January 2026.