IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

The UK government will introduce a digital stamp system for all vape products, paired with new enforcement powers including £10,000 fines and possible imprisonment for illegal sales. The measures aim to curb the booming black market and complement restrictions under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, including future regulation of flavours, packaging, and advertising.

Belgium’s drug commissioner Ine Van Wymersch has warned that more than 80% of illegal refillable vape capsules seized in Belgium contain synthetic opioids, posing serious risks of early addiction among children. She told Euronews that these substances, which have no distinctive smell or color, could lead to opioid dependence from a young age.

The Nizhny Novgorod Legislative Assembly regional lawmakers have prepared a resolution proposing amendments to federal law that would grant Russian regions the authority to ban vape sales locally. The draft, developed by the assembly’s economic committee, was published this week.

Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI) has urged TDs to fully scrutinise the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025 as it comes before the Dáil for debate. Representing more than 3,300 independent vape retailers, RVI stressed that meaningful consultation with retailers and enforcement authorities is essential to ensure the ban meets its public health and environmental goals without unintended consequences.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Chicago seized 43,200 illicit vaping products valued at over $358,000 for violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The shipment originated from China and was destined for Mississippi.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Bhutan has announced stronger actions to combat the growing threat of e-cigarette use, especially among youth. While no new vaping-related lung collapse cases have been reported since 2024, the MoH confirmed that fiscal and legal reforms are underway to include e-cigarettes in tax and tobacco control laws starting January 2026.