IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

The Maldives has implemented a generational tobacco ban, effective November 1, 2025, making it the only country to permanently prohibit anyone born on or after January 1, 2007 from buying or using tobacco. Initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu, the policy aims to create a tobacco-free generation and includes a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes, with fines up to 50,000 rufiyaa (US$3,200) for violations.

2Firsts discovers at the 2025 InterTabac Exhibition in Dortmund, Germany that nicotine pouches are a top category.

The latest data show that in 2024, disposable vape sales in Nova Scotia grew by 25%, and about 16% of residents use vaping products—signaling strong demand for tobacco alternatives. The province’s regulatory framework is forcing retailers to accelerate product-line adjustments and compliance upgrades.

In Jan 2025, a 64-year-old S. Korean lawyer A illegally carried e-cigarettes twice to meet jailed clients in a Gwangju prison. Prisoner B and 8 inmates were prosecuted for using them. At the same-day trial, A and other defendants pleaded guilty. Prosecutors sought a 2M won (≈$1,500) fine for A and 6-month jail for B. A, B and others apologized. The court will re-examine absent defendants on Nov 6 then announce the verdict.

A new Arizona law effective Sept. 26 raises the minimum age to buy or possess tobacco and related products to 21. The law aligns state enforcement with the 2019 federal “Tobacco 21” standard and sets penalties for supplying to or possession by those under 21. An exception for military personnel ages 18–20 remains subject to individual service branch and base regulations.

This week, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Victoria Police conducted a two-day raid on retailers on Church Street to enforce Australia's e-cigarette regulations. During the operation, they seized over $40,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes and 24,000 nicotine pouches. Police also seized over 110,000 illegal cigarettes, over 40 kilograms of loose illegal tobacco, and a cache of cash. The raid targeted retailers illegally holding and selling e-cigarettes.