FLER at APE

Russia’s Federation Council has approved legislation allowing authorities to block websites offering online sales of tobacco, nicotine-containing products, heated tobacco devices and hookahs without a court order.

China has for the first time issued clear regulatory rules for nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine products, formally classifying them under the tobacco monopoly alongside cigarettes and tobacco, ending a long-standing legal grey zone and laying the regulatory groundwork for their potential domestic launch.

Kansas lawmakers held a Senate committee hearing on Senate Bill 355 on Jan. 27. The proposal would require e-cigarette manufacturers—potentially affecting distributors as well—to obtain a state license, expanding oversight beyond retailers.

Philip Morris Korea said on Feb. 5 it has introduced “TEREA Shine Pearl,” a new TEREA stick designed for the IQOS ILUMA heated-tobacco device. The company said the product delivers a cool sensation and adds a fresh, fruity note when the capsule is crushed, bringing TEREA’s capsule-based lineup in South Korea to seven variants.

At the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, Iowa asked judges to allow enforcement of a challenged 2024 state law that penalizes manufacturers selling e-cigarette products not listed on a state-run directory. Products are listed only when a manufacturer or retailer meets certain premarket requirements established under the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).

BAT Japan will roll out two new VELO nicotine pouch variants from Feb. 2, 2026: Smooth Peppermint Medium and Breezy Mango Intense. The products will be sold via the official glo & VELO online store, the glo Store Ginza and nationwide tobacco retail channels in Japan.