Indiana vape tax to go into effect July 1

According to The Maritime Executive on August 19, 2026, the Australian Border Force (ABF) and China’s Anti-Smuggling Bureau of General Administration of China Customs worked together to dismantle an international illicit tobacco smuggling network targeting Australia. According to information released by ABF on August 20, sustained information sharing and cooperation led to investigations into 112 shipping containers, with 91 found to contain illicit tobacco. Authorities seized more than 60 million cigarettes and 60 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, representing more than A$92 million in unpaid duties. More than 60 people suspected of involvement in the network were arrested in China.

China-based Shenzhen Huabao Collaborative Innovation Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd. has filed a patent application for a nicotine-ascorbic acid cocrystal, exploring a new solid-state form of nicotine. The patent proposes applications across e-liquids, heated tobacco sticks, oral tobacco, chewing tobacco and snuff. In nicotine pouch tests disclosed in the filing, cocrystal formulations showed less than a 6% decline in nicotine content after three months of accelerated storage and a release profile combining early-stage release with sustained delivery over 60 minutes. The filing reflects exploration of nicotine forms beyond conventional nicotine base and nicotine salts.

British American Tobacco’s New Category revenue rose 18% at constant rates in the first half of 2026. Nicotine-pouch brand Velo expanded rapidly, while Vuse recovered as U.S. enforcement against illicit e-vapor products strengthened. Heated-tobacco platform glo remained under pressure, and cigarettes continued to provide most of the group’s profit and cash. Compared with PMI and JT, BAT has more routes to growth—but also greater regulatory, investment and execution risks across its broader portfolio.

Illegal vape sellers are still promoting nicotine products on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube despite Australia’s 2024 advertising ban, while illicit tobacco sales are increasingly moving from physical stores to online marketplaces.

Summo has introduced the Summo 150K Refillable Disposable Vape, entering the ultra-high-puff vape segment with a claimed capacity of up to 150,000 puffs. The device combines a 40ml dual e-liquid system, transparent tank design, dual mesh coils and a 900mAh rechargeable battery, using a refillable structure to differentiate itself from conventional disposable vapes. The product appeared on overseas online retail channels including Vapesourcing and VapeBarTime between late June and early July 2026.

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.