FLER at APE

Tasmania will introduce new laws next year to tackle the illegal trade in tobacco and vapes. The legislation will strengthen penalties, allow inspectors to issue on-the-spot fines and shut down non-compliant retailers, and enhance coordination between police and health authorities.

A survey report released by the Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa shows that despite New Zealand implementing stricter vaping regulations in 2025, including a ban on disposable products and tighter flavour restrictions, daily vaping rates continue to rise. The research body urges close monitoring of behavioural changes following the new rules coming into force.

A 32-year-old Malaysian driver, Mohammad Fakaruddin Mohd Rosli, was sentenced to 27 weeks’ jail after pleading guilty to smuggling more than 14,000 vapes and components into Singapore and later attempting to leave the country illegally by hiding in another lorry’s cargo hold.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet signs order to strengthen enforcement of e-cigarette and shisha bans, citing health risks and youth usage.

According to Gulf News, Sweden is nearing the World Health Organization’s smoke-free threshold, with daily smoking falling below 5%. Two decades of public health efforts and the growing use of lower-risk alternatives such as Snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouches have contributed to this shift, alongside declines in tobacco-related deaths and lung cancer cases.

A new poll shows 80% of voters support stronger enforcement against illegal e-cigarette production, potentially impacting swing districts.