IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

The National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL) in Ranchi, together with national and international public health experts, held a consultation focused on youth protection, enforcement capacity, and the regulatory landscape for emerging nicotine products. State Health Minister Irfan Ansari called for stronger policies and coordinated efforts to prevent addiction.

Alan Zhao analyzes post-Operation Absolute Resolve geopolitics and the rise of “U.S.-referenced regulatory alignment” in South America’s novel tobacco market as U.S. influence grows. Using regulatory reliance, digitalized enforcement, and industrial shifts, he assesses how rule redesign may alter market access, competition, and supply chains, asking how firms can find durable certainty as order is rewritten.

China’s Nov. vape exports to the U.S. held at $549 million, following October’s $591 million record. 2025 YTD exports reached $3.72 billion, officially eclipsing 2024’s full-year total. This $1.14 billion 60-day surge signals a critical inventory overhang, heightening financial and regulatory risks for manufacturers.

Imperial Brands has launched its ZONE nicotine pouches in the UK, targeting the mainstream 9–12 mg nicotine strength segment. The brand debuts with five flavours at a recommended retail price of £6.50 per can. Mint variants currently account for around 70% of UK nicotine pouch sales, while fruit flavours are growing rapidly. ZONE will be distributed primarily through independent retail channels.

Vietnam plans to formalise penalties for e-cigarette and heated tobacco use under a draft decree. Individual users could be fined VND 3–5 million (USD 114–190), while premises allowing use face fines up to VND 10 million (USD 380). Higher penalties apply to business violations.

Imperial Brands’ vaping brand blu has outlined its flavour roadmap for 2026 on its official website, adding a new “Creamy Tobacco” flavour that has been rolled out across the rechargeable blu bar kit and its compatible blu kit pods. The brand describes the flavour as offering a more velvety tobacco taste.