Indiana vape tax to go into effect July 1

A U.S. Government Accountability Office audit found that 131,915 tobacco product applications submitted to the FDA since 2018 remained without a final review as of December 31, 2025, with pending applications waiting an average of 1,266 days. GAO also found FDA lacks the data needed to systematically determine whether scientific reviews meet applicable timelines. HHS agreed to upgrade the agency's tracking systems. At the same time, FDA has begun applying lessons from its nicotine pouch PMTA pilot to e-cigarette reviews, while changes to enforcement policy and electronic submissions are making the specific stage of a PMTA increasingly relevant to market access.

Malaysia's Poisons Board has endorsed Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad's proposal to exempt liquid nicotine used in vaping products from the Poisons List, according to a November 2, 2026, report by CodeBlue. The Board unanimously opposed a similar proposal in 2023, but the government proceeded with the exemption. The Kuala Lumpur High Court invalidated the 2023 decision in May 2026, and the government withdrew its appeal in August. No new ministerial order has been published. The development raises questions about the interaction between Malaysia's two regulatory frameworks and the treatment of RM354.51 million in excise duties collected on e-cigarette and vape products between May 2023 and June 11, 2026.

Japan Tobacco (JT) launched a refreshed Ploom CUBE design in Japan on September 8, 2026, with broader convenience-store and tobacco-retail distribution planned from October 13. The updated device retains the existing Rounded Cube form and heating platform while replacing four previous body colors with Pebble White and Cobalt Black. JT is also introducing new Front Panels and Fabric Back Covers, although the new accessories are not compatible with the previous Ploom CUBE design. The company says the update is intended to broaden appeal among younger male and female users.

The National Association of Tobacco Outlets is calling for more FDA marketing authorizations, greater transparency in the PMTA process and continued enforcement against unauthorized e-cigarettes, even as its executive director, David Spross, points to recent regulatory developments as signs of progress. At the state level, excise taxes, flavor restrictions and vapor product directories remain major issues for tobacco retailers. By August 2026, 17 states had enacted laws establishing state-managed e-cigarette directories or similar systems.

Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) launched Nordic Spirit Rich Melon Medium through selected tobacco retailers in Japan on November 2, 2026, while expanding physical retail distribution for three existing mint products previously sold through the CLUB JT online store. The melon launch brings Nordic Spirit's Japanese portfolio to eight SKUs. All four products are manufactured in Sweden, contain a standard 14 pouches per can and retail for ¥500 including tax. Since introducing Nordic Spirit in Japan in March, JT has expanded the brand's product lineup and distribution through its online store, convenience stores and selected tobacco retailers.

Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company has asked a federal court in Washington to declare that it has no duty to defend or indemnify vape distributor i5 Distribution in a product liability case involving an Elf Bar BC5000. The plaintiff alleges that the disposable vape caught fire and exploded in his pocket, causing severe burns and ultimately requiring an above-the-knee amputation of his left leg. MUSIC is relying on a tobacco, nicotine or nicotine replacement products exclusion and a premises limitation endorsement. The court has not ruled on the coverage dispute.