At the InterTabac trade show in Dortmund, Philip Drögemüller, Managing Director of Germany’s Smoke-Free Alliance (BfTG), spoke with 2Firsts. He said Germany’s vaping market still has substantial potential, but the industry faces policy uncertainty and compliance pressure. The association urges companies to operate compliantly and to shift from disposable products to rechargeable systems as early as possible to prepare for the structural adjustments brought by the EU battery rules in 2027.

According to 2Firsts’ on-site observations, the vaping halls at InterTabac 2025 have visibly cooled: fewer exhibitors, a weaker presence from major brands, and scarce stage activations; new product momentum is weak and homogenization has intensified. Tightening regulation and policy uncertainty are squeezing innovation, pushing companies to replicate proven models—overall, a “cautious showcase.”

During InterTabac 2025, 2Firsts spoke with the German vaping trade association (Verband des eZigarettenhandels e. V. (VdeH)). The association noted that while Germany’s market continues to grow, the black market may account for nearly half of total volume; disposables are reshaping retail channels. VdeH is firmly opposed to flavor bans and disposable bans, arguing such measures would expand the black market and drive users back to cigarettes.

US FDA meeting minutes: Under Trump, a new pilot eases nicotine pouch rules—cuts product-specific research (uses generic data), shortens reviews, boosts communication. It’s the FDA’s first clear softer stance on smoking alternatives. The pilot may benefit Philip Morris (Zyn), Altria (On!), BAT (Velo) but sparks debate: FDA says pouches are low-risk (no youth surge), while ex-officials/academics cite missing research (hurts health checks, risks hidden youth use). Firms note costly research remain