IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

Bulgaria will raise excise taxes on cigarettes, cigars, heated tobacco, and e-cigarette liquids starting January 2026. The increase, approved under the 2026 state budget, will be implemented gradually over four years. The Ministry of Finance expects the reform to generate about €130 million in additional revenue by 2026.

South Korea’s amendment to the Tobacco Business Act, which would classify synthetic nicotine vapes and vape liquids as “tobacco” for regulatory and taxation purposes, has been delayed once again. Despite the government stressing its urgency due to youth access and risks of illicit drug mixing, both ruling and opposition parties at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting agreed that the bill requires further discussion.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned online delivery platforms not to breach Australian vape laws and said it worked with two major companies to remove non-compliant material. Under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, advertising vapes to the public is banned and sales are pharmacy-only; tobacconists and convenience stores cannot supply vapes. TGA will continue enforcement, with severe penalties for breaches.

US Pittsburgh City Council proposed a new bill: new e-cig stores can’t be within 1,500ft (≈457.2m) of schools, daycares, religious sites or parks. The restriction only applies to new stores, not existing ones. The bill also bans e-cig stores from operating 11pm-9am next day and requires e-cigs, CBD products, etc., to be stored in locked cabinets.

Over 1900 e-cigarette products seized in Johor shopping center; state-wide ban enforced since 2016; 10 illegal traders issued notices; national ban planned by 2026.

Security officers at Bishan MRT station in Singapore apprehended a man who evaded security and found his discarded e-cigarette in nearby bushes. The man pleaded guilty to the offence, and the case was referred to the Health Sciences Authority. The incident is part of Singapore's intensified, government-wide crackdown on e-cigarette use.