FLER at APE

2Firsts analyzes vaping regulations across the Baltic states. Following Latvia’s flavor ban, tax revenues fell and the black market expanded, while similar measures in Estonia and Lithuania have also failed to deliver results. The region’s anti-vaping policies are now triggering market imbalance and policy reassessment.

Spain’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has submitted a legal amendment to the Congress proposing a gradual reduction of the excise duty on nicotine pouches. The current rate of €0.10 per gram would be phased in progressively until 2030. The plan sets the rate at €0.02/g in 2026, rising by €0.02 annually until reaching €0.10/g in 2030. PSOE says this measure would mitigate price shocks and make the tax system more progressive.

British American Tobacco (BAT) introduced the VELO Shift nicotine pouch in September 2025, featuring a hexagonal outer can and an oval-triangle pouch shape that departs from traditional designs. Two months after launch, the product is available in the U.K., U.S. and Sweden. Social-media feedback indicates the design has been well received, while some users are calling for higher nicotine strength.

Imperial Brands has launched its ZONE nicotine pouches in the UK, targeting the mainstream 9–12 mg nicotine strength segment. The brand debuts with five flavours at a recommended retail price of £6.50 per can. Mint variants currently account for around 70% of UK nicotine pouch sales, while fruit flavours are growing rapidly. ZONE will be distributed primarily through independent retail channels.

The Korea Customs Service (KCS) has released a list of 236 habitual and large-scale customs tax delinquents with total unpaid taxes amounting to approximately USD 917 million. Among them, a vape wholesaler tops the individual list, owing about USD 15.57 million, while another vape-related company owes roughly USD 12.02 million.

The Spanish Civil Guard carried out an operation targeting e-cigarette smuggling and illegal distribution, seizing a total of 24,520 e-cigarettes of unknown origin valued at approximately €312,000.