FLER at APE

A Philippine Department of Trade and Industry official told a Senate hearing on vaping regulations that flavored vape products marketed with descriptors attractive to minors are “100 percent smuggled” and did not pass the agency’s licensing process.

The European Anti-Fraud Office said on April 17 that its “JCO VAPE” operation, carried out together with customs authorities from 30 countries, successfully targeted the illicit trade in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The operation, conducted from November 14 to December 15, 2025, resulted in seizures of more than 94 million items and more than 2,500 kg/l of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, devices, and related goods.

A court declaration signed by FDA official Melanie M. Keller on March 24, 2026 detailed the status of previously issued reduction-in-force notices affecting employees at the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP).

On March 17, PMI U.S. announced an investment of about USD 50 million in a new Business Solutions Center in Tampa, Florida. The center is expected to create about 180 direct and indirect high-skilled jobs and will consolidate business solutions, distribution operations and customer service into one hub.

Nicokick.com said it will continue its collaboration with zone for a second year at the April 19 NASCAR race in Kansas City, appearing on Richard Childress Racing’s No. 8 Chevrolet driven by Kyle Busch. The 2026 race-weekend campaign for verified adult nicotine consumers aged 21 and older includes the exclusive launch of zone Cranberry and a limited-edition five-flavor mix pack selected by Busch.

Conservative MP Jamil Jivani’s public support for nicotine pouch brand Zyn has drawn attention on Canadian university campuses, but Imperial Tobacco, which makes the only similar Canadian product, Zonnic, said it does not support the promotion of an unauthorized competitor.