FLER at APE

North Carolina’s new state budget introduces additional vape retail regulations, including a $1,000 tax on vape shops and mandatory age verification requiring customers to be at least 21.

Russia’s regional vape-ban model is facing early legal and political tests, as Perm Krai moves ahead before federal legislation is fully adopted. The case highlights uncertainty over regional authority, concerns from business groups about market fragmentation, and the risk that pressure against regional bans could revive calls for a stricter nationwide prohibition.

2Firsts noted that ASDF has displayed Chroma on its official website. Public information shows that Chroma is a closed-pod device equipped with an 800mAh battery, switchable RGB lights, haptic feedback and Normal/Boost power modes. It uses a 2ml OSTRO cartridge with 2% nicotine strength. Public information also shows that ASDF has a Malaysian brand background and has previously drawn industry attention for the “retro cassette” visual language used in its Vapetape series.

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.

Norwich City Council is set to debate a proposed vape deposit scheme that would require consumers to pay an extra refundable £5 per device at purchase, with the money returned when the device is handed back, as recent recycling-facility fires, including a major Widnes blaze reportedly very likely caused by a vape, draw greater attention to the risks of improperly discarded lithium-battery devices.

2Firsts held a U.S. compliance briefing in Shenzhen to help vaping, heated tobacco and nicotine pouch supply chain companies strengthen PMTA support capabilities. The event focused on supplier documentation, quality systems, traceability, TPMF/TPMP pathways, age verification and customer audit readiness as U.S. compliance expectations increasingly extend deeper into the nicotine supply chain.