FLER at APE

DOJO launched the BLAST10K Fresh in the UK on September 4, 2026, introducing its INSTA-JUICED™ technology and a new 0+10ml structure that keeps e-liquid separated from the coil before activation. The device features a 1000mAh rechargeable battery, COREX BLAST dual-mesh technology and SSS leak-resistant technology, with a manufacturer-rated capacity of up to 10,000 puffs. It also retains compatibility with existing 2+8ml pods across the BLAST ecosystem. The launch introduces eight new flavors, including Matcha Strawberry, which DOJO describes as an industry first.

The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, a project operated by Knowledge·Action·Change, estimates that about 200 million people worldwide use non-combustible nicotine products including vapes, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and snus. Its 2026 report says use of these products rose alongside declining smoking rates in 28 countries it analyzed. The data do not establish that all 200 million users have quit smoking, nor do they prove a direct causal relationship. GSTHR also says regulatory restrictions on the products continue to expand in many markets.

Police in Malaysia’s Selangor state seized illegal vape products and contraband cigarettes worth about RM12.7 million (approximately $3 million) in two enforcement operations. According to New Straits Times and The Star, the vape-related operation uncovered 131,036 boxes of vape products, 4,900 bottles of e-liquid and 25,510 vape devices, valued at about RM9.4 million. Police said preliminary investigations indicated that some illegal vape products entered Malaysia through sea shipments from China before moving through storage and distribution networks.

Australia is strengthening controls on nicotine pouches under its existing therapeutic goods regulatory framework. According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), nicotine pouch products must meet regulatory requirements, and unapproved products cannot be legally imported. The move follows Australia’s broader approach of maintaining strict oversight of nicotine products, including nicotine-containing vapes. As nicotine pouches expand globally, Australia’s regulatory approach highlights growing differences in how countries manage emerging smoke-free nicotine products.

Philip Morris International’s IQOS has entered the Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands for the first time, ranking No. 74 with a brand value of $36.634 billion and becoming one of only three newcomers to the 2026 ranking. Kantar said the combined value of the Global Top 100 reached $13.1 trillion, up 22% year on year, while the threshold for entry rose to a record high. PMI says IQOS has more than 35 million users worldwide and surpassed $10 billion in annual net revenues within a decade of launch.

Chinese authorities have disclosed the country’s first reported criminal case involving counterfeit vapes marketed as “medical nebulizers” and “zero-nicotine” products. Authorities determined that the products involved were counterfeit vapes and pursued criminal charges for producing and selling counterfeit goods. According to the report, the case resulted in the seizure of 347,000 counterfeit vape pods and 53,700 vape devices, with physical goods valued at 22.13 million yuan.