IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

France’s National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) says vaping poses health risks because users inhale toxic or harmful substances, even if e-cigarettes are generally considered less harmful than cigarettes.

Grizzly Nicotine Pouches, a brand of American Snuff Company (ASC), a Reynolds American unit, said it will increase its NASCAR investment in the 2026 season, serving as primary sponsor for a combined 27 races across Kaulig Racing’s two full-time NASCAR Cup Series cars. The company added that Grizzly is already one of NASCAR’s official partner brands across all NASCAR tracks.

According to a Milton Police Department (MPD) news release, Milton, Florida officers and partner agencies carried out compliance checks at seven vape retailers on Jan. 27, seizing more than 500 illegal vape products and arresting employees allegedly involved in sales to minors. Authorities also reported finding unlicensed marijuana sales, high-THC products, nitrous oxide and illegal charging units.

At the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, Iowa asked judges to allow enforcement of a challenged 2024 state law that penalizes manufacturers selling e-cigarette products not listed on a state-run directory. Products are listed only when a manufacturer or retailer meets certain premarket requirements established under the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).

Utah lawmakers are advancing HB337, a bill that would raise the state cigarette tax by $2 per pack and restructure taxes on other nicotine products. The proposal replaces weight-based taxes with percentage-based rates and removes reduced rates for certain modified risk products. Supporters say it will curb youth tobacco use, while opponents warn of cross-border shopping and harm to consumers seeking alternatives.

China’s 2026 “Two Sessions” again raised the issue of consumption tax reform. As the largest source of consumption tax revenue, the tobacco tax system—its collection stages, tax structure and regional revenue distribution—has re-entered the policy discussion. This article outlines the structure of China’s tobacco consumption tax, past adjustments and key areas of debate, providing international readers with background on one of the country’s most important tax categories.