IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

Nicotine pouches, promoted as flavored, smoke-free alternatives, are spreading in Uruguay despite the absence of a formal market. The Ministry of Public Health is considering banning them by decree and has raised the issue within Mercosur and at COP11. Health Minister Cristina Lustemberg warns that the industry is pushing new nicotine products to normalize consumption among youth.

R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co. has moved to dismiss a class-action lawsuit alleging false “carbon neutral” claims for its Vuse e-cigarettes, arguing its statements were based on independent certifications from Verra and Vertis, not misleading consumers.

Baltimore’s City Council in Maryland, building on recently enacted restrictions on “small box” dollar-store chains, has proposed a package of regulations for tobacco and vape retailers. The measures would create a standalone land-use category for “smoke shops,” establish distance buffers from schools and parks, limit exterior signage brightness, and schedule an informational hearing.

In BAT’s The Smokeless Word podcast, AACS CEO Theo Foukkare warned that high taxes and strict vape bans have fueled Australia’s AUD 10-billion illicit nicotine market and rising retail crime, urging urgent regulatory reform.

According to an SKE release published on PR Newswire, the company is expanding its presence in the Korean market through convenience store and specialty retail channels. SKE has partnered with 7-Eleven Korea, placing its products in more than 5,700 stores nationwide, and is also working with OG9’s offline retail and B2B distribution network. On the product side, SKE is focusing on promoting the Crystal Bar TB1000 and Cloud Zero in Korea.

Imperial Brands: FY results in line; launches £1.45bn buyback (to Oct 2026). Constant-currency net revenue to grow low single digits; NGP +12%–14%; adjusted operating profit growth similar to last year’s 4.6%.