IQOS Smoking Room at Manila International Airport

British American Tobacco UK (BAT UK) announced the launch of its "Vapers Deserve Better" campaign this week, emphasizing the need for a responsible regulatory framework to combat non-compliant operators who ignore regulations and quality standards. The campaign advocates for mandatory pre-market testing, a national retail licensing system, and stricter penalties for offenders.

According to Thai police, officers seized 30,000 illegal vapes worth over THB 10 million (US$270,000) and arrested two suspects linked to online sales via LINE account “VST Nuan Chan.” Raids were conducted in Bangkok and Samut Prakan, uncovering a main warehouse and residence. Both suspects confessed and face charges under the Product Safety Act and Customs Law for illegal import and sale.

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.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has officially confirmed that the UK will implement a Vaping Products Duty (VPD) and Vaping Duty Stamps (VDS) scheme from October 1, 2026. The duty will apply to all vaping liquids at a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml. Businesses must register for approval starting April 1, 2026. The stamps scheme will take effect in October 2026 with a six-month grace period, after which, from April 2027, unstamped products will be prohibited from sale.

Starting from February 15, 2026, South Korea bans e-cigarette vending machines within 200m of schools to protect youth from nicotine products.

The Canton of Geneva has begun enforcing its ban on disposable e-cigarettes (“puffs”) after the cantonal court rejected industry appeals to suspend the law. Passed on August 29 by the Grand Council, the ban will now be actively monitored by trade inspectors, while a similar measure is already in force in Valais.