IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

Imperial Brands is calling on UK retailers to take part in the Government’s consultation on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will shape a new licensing framework for nicotine product sales across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Department of Health and Social Care’s call for evidence closes on 3 December 2025. Imperial Brands stresses this is a key chance for retailers to influence policy, support fair competition, and help curb illicit sales.

BAT Japan to open two-storey glo™ Ginza flagship on Oct 18, 2025; sales + members’ lounge, promos; near IQOS.

Australia has seized more than 600,000 illicit vapes in two months, following coordinated intelligence with overseas partners. The Australian Border Force (ABF) warns that illegal vaping products now form a multibillion-dollar black market dominated by organised crime syndicates.

Malaysia Ministry of Health to propose full ban on e-cigarettes, citing health and financial burdens; cabinet approval pending.

The High Court in Bangladesh has asked government bodies to explain why the approval granted to Philip Morris to establish a nicotine pouch factory should not be deemed illegal. Petitioners argue the decision contradicts existing policies and a 2016 Appellate Division ruling that restricts new tobacco-related enterprises. Authorities have ten days to respond.

ELFBAR has launched its new open-system device ELFX MEGA, compatible with 2 mL, 5 mL and 10 mL pods and equipped with a 2800mAh battery that delivers significantly longer runtime than its predecessor. The device has passed MHRA notification in the UK and is now available online in the UK at a retail price of around £18.99.