IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

KT&G has launched the limited-edition “lil hybrid 3.0 Misty Rose Edition” heated tobacco device in South Korea, betting on year-end consumer demand with a gradient rose-colored design. The release is capped at 20,000 units and is available through both online and offline channels, with an official retail price of 78,000 won (approximately USD 53).

The Welsh Parliament (Senedd) has approved new legislation banning tobacco sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. The law, passed on December 9, 2025, also imposes stricter controls on how vapes and nicotine products are advertised and sold. Designed by the UK Government but voted on separately in Wales, the bill passed with 36 votes in favor, two abstentions, and nine against. It grants stronger enforcement powers to Trading Standards to combat illegal tobacco and vape sales.

The Korea Customs Service (KCS) has released a list of 236 habitual and large-scale customs tax delinquents with total unpaid taxes amounting to approximately USD 917 million. Among them, a vape wholesaler tops the individual list, owing about USD 15.57 million, while another vape-related company owes roughly USD 12.02 million.

8 youths aged 18-24 were caught for e-cigarette offenses, with enforcement jointly carried out by HSA and IHLs.

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Interior Minister Sanzhar Adilov (Санжар Адилов) addressed social media rumors that the government may ease restrictions on hookahs and vapes. He confirmed that hookah regulations are under interagency review, but the strict ban on vapes remains unchanged and has recently been reinforced with criminal liability.

JTI UK has launched Nordic Spirit’s highest-strength variant—Frosty Mint Max, delivering 17mg of nicotine per pouch—and introduced a refreshed, darker packaging design for the brand.