IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

Philip Morris Bangladesh Limited (PMBL) has received approval to invest USD 5.82 million in a nicotine pouch factory in Narayanganj. Regulators say the project is legal under existing laws, while health groups argue it breaches a 2016 Supreme Court order and poses youth addiction risks.

The U.S. FDA has scheduled a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) meeting for January 22, 2026, to review Swedish Match USA’s Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) applications for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products. Although the products gained PMTA authorization in early 2025, MRTP approval is required for marketing them with reduced-risk claims.

Japanese artist VERDY has renewed his collaboration with Japan Tobacco’s heated tobacco brand Ploom to launch a limited-edition “Ploom AURA × Wasted Youth” set in December 2025, which will be sold via a one-day pop-up store in Tokyo’s Harajuku district through a lottery system, with part of the lineup also available in limited quantities on Ploom’s online platform.

JTI has announced plans to build a new factory in Ștefăneștii de Jos to replace its current Bucharest site, which faces space constraints. The project is expected to be completed in 2027, with ground works starting soon. The company highlighted ongoing efforts to expand capacity and modernize its Romanian operations.

In 2025, disposable vapes are shifting from a “puff count race” to a focus on user experience. While 30,000–50,000 puffs has become mainstream, brands like MASKKING, MR FOG, and HYPERBAR are still launching higher-capacity products in the 60,000–100,000 puff range. Models with disclosed tank sizes all exceed 2,000 puffs per mL and commonly feature adjustable wattage and enhanced interactive functions.

The U.S. FDA has set December 8, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET as the closing date for public comments on the MRTP renewal applications submitted by Philip Morris Products S.A. for several IQOS heated tobacco products.