IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

Australian Border Force (ABF), 586 million cigarettes and over 3 million vapes were seized at Australia’s international border in the first quarter of the 2024–25 financial year (July 1–September 30), marking a continued upward trend over the past two years. Enhanced intelligence and data-sharing have enabled ABF to target suspicious consignments more effectively across all entry points.

Since Kazakhstan banned e-cigarette sales in June 2024, transactions have gone underground, shifting to Telegram and some e-commerce platforms and making enforcement harder; related research indicates the ban has not significantly reduced demand.

2Firsts observed that Philip Morris International (PMI) has set up a large-scale IQOS display at Dubai International Airport’s duty-free area, featuring the TEREA tobacco stick series with promotional offers. The brand also showcased its limited-edition collaboration with Italian design house SELETTI — IQOS ILUMA i × SELETTI — further strengthening its premium image through artistic design.

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.

Spain is advancing a 2025 Anti-Tobacco Law to align e-cigs with tobacco, tighten public-use/advertising/flavour rules, study phasing out disposables; cannabinoid, nicotine-free vapes are rising.

The Sarawak Cabinet has agreed to implement a phased ban on vape products amid growing concern over rising use among youths. Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the move demonstrates the state’s firm commitment to safeguarding young people’s health and future.