Hanoi Cracks Down on Vape Smuggling, Seizes 500 Illegal Items

Nov.18.2024
Hanoi Cracks Down on Vape Smuggling, Seizes 500 Illegal Items
Hanoi authorities intensify enforcement, seizing a large number of illegal vape products and temporarily detaining over 500 smuggled items.

The Market Management Department in Hanoi, Vietnam, recently reported uncovering multiple cases of suspected smuggling involving vapes and heated tobacco products, according to B News.

 

The second team of the Market Management Department inspected a merchant. During the inspection, the authorities temporarily confiscated 80 items, including 50 disposable vape devices and 30 bottles of vape liquid. These products were found to lack invoices and certificates, and were deemed to be smuggled goods.

 

On the same day, authorities discovered another merchant selling 70 illegal items, including 50 disposable vape devices and 20 bottles of vape liquid. The inspection team has temporarily confiscated all the prohibited items for proper legal action to be taken.

 

Following this, authorities temporarily seized a total of 420 foreign-produced, unregistered disposable vapes and e-liquid products during increased inspections of vapes and heated tobacco products.

 

Currently, these cases are under investigation and verification to be handled according to the law.

 

UK Sets Oct. 29 Start for New Vape Retail Rules Covering Age Checks, Giveaways and Discounts
UK Sets Oct. 29 Start for New Vape Retail Rules Covering Age Checks, Giveaways and Discounts
The UK Department of Health and Social Care published new guidance on Aug. 11 outlining the next phase of retail rules under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which will take effect on Oct. 29, 2026. The measures extend the minimum age of sale of 18 to all vaping and consumer nicotine products and restrict proxy purchasing, promotional giveaways and substantial discounts. Relevant offences in England, Wales and Scotland may carry a £200 fixed penalty notice, while persistent offenders can face temporary sales bans.
Aug.12
BREAKING | China’s Tobacco Regulator Summons iMiracle Over Suspected Compliance Breaches
BREAKING | China’s Tobacco Regulator Summons iMiracle Over Suspected Compliance Breaches
Based on public records reviewed by 2Firsts, this is the first time China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration has publicly announced regulatory talks with an e-cigarette company.
Jul.29
Reuters Tracks Big Tobacco’s Shift Beyond Cigarettes as Nicotine Pouches Vie for the Next Growth Curve
Reuters Tracks Big Tobacco’s Shift Beyond Cigarettes as Nicotine Pouches Vie for the Next Growth Curve
As cigarette markets face long-term pressure, major tobacco companies are increasingly turning to nicotine pouches in search of growth beyond combustible tobacco. Reuters has examined whether nicotine pouches can become the next strategic growth platform for companies including Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco. PMI strengthened its position through the acquisition of Swedish Match and its ZYN brand, while BAT and JTI continue expanding their own nicotine pouch portfolios. The category has gained attention because of its smoke-free, device-free format, but regulation, youth-use concerns and market scale will determine whether it can become a long-term growth engine.
Regulations
Aug.18 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Pennsylvania Updates ENDS Certification List as Chinese-Linked Manufacturers Enter State Review
Pennsylvania Updates ENDS Certification List as Chinese-Linked Manufacturers Enter State Review
Pennsylvania’s June 26 Pending ENDS Certifications list includes 23 manufacturers under review, including Shenzhen Smoore, Shenzhen IVPS, YME Technology and China-linked Boulder International. The list shows state-level vape regulation moving beyond retail brands toward manufacturer-based market access alongside FDA oversight.
Regulations
Jul.06 by 2Firsts Perspectives
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) CEO Takehiko Tsutsui said the company plans to invest about ¥800 billion (approximately US$5.4 billion) in heated tobacco products over three years through 2028, aiming to establish Ploom as a second growth engine after combustible cigarettes. Tsutsui said Ploom AURA helped JT increase its share of Japan’s heated tobacco market to 15.8% in the first quarter of 2026. Ploom products are now available in 29 markets, with Ploom AURA sold in 25 markets including Japan. JT also plans to continue its cigarette business while positioning its food operations, particularly frozen noodle products in North America, as another growth opportunity.
Jul.23
Product | JNR Launches Shisha Hookah 70K E-Hookah With 60ml E-Liquid and 0.6% Nicotine
Product | JNR Launches Shisha Hookah 70K E-Hookah With 60ml E-Liquid and 0.6% Nicotine
JNR has introduced the Shisha Hookah 70K, a high-capacity rechargeable disposable vape designed around a hookah-inspired experience. The device comes prefilled with 60ml of e-liquid at 6mg/ml (0.6%) nicotine strength, alongside a 1,000mAh rechargeable battery and a 0.38Ω single mesh coil. It also features adjustable airflow and battery and e-liquid level displays. JNR claims the device can deliver up to 70,000 puffs and offers more than 20 flavors. Retail listings for the product have appeared in markets including Tunisia.
Market
Aug.24 by 2Firsts Perspectives