IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

The UK's London Trading Standards Agency has launched the "Speak Up, Save Lives" online anonymous reporting tool for children and young people to report illegal e-cigarette sales to combat underage tobacco purchases. The initiative has received £3.2 million (about $4.32 million) in support, which will be used to strengthen law enforcement, train law enforcement personnel, and supplement related resources.

PMI Japan has refreshed its all-in-one heated tobacco device, IQOS ILUMA i One, with upgraded materials and exterior design. Sales begin October 29 via IQOS stores and the official website. The new model retains core features such as auto-start and continuous use, but is not compatible with accessories from the previous version.

PMI Malaysia says Japan and New Zealand’s regulated smoke-free alternatives have hastened smoking declines, whereas Thailand’s post-2014 ban drives smokers to cigarettes or the black market—evidence, PMI argues, that pairing regulated alternatives with traditional controls could improve public health faster.

Selangor, Malaysia proposes federal government share e-cigarette tax revenues for local enforcement, suggesting collaboration for better regulation.

According to Thai police, officers seized 30,000 illegal vapes worth over THB 10 million (US$270,000) and arrested two suspects linked to online sales via LINE account “VST Nuan Chan.” Raids were conducted in Bangkok and Samut Prakan, uncovering a main warehouse and residence. Both suspects confessed and face charges under the Product Safety Act and Customs Law for illegal import and sale.

The Planning and Finance Committee of the National Assembly of South Korea passed an amendment to the Tobacco Business Act, which includes "tobacco" or "nicotine" in the definition of tobacco, and officially defines synthetic nicotine as tobacco.