New York Governor Hochul proposes tobacco policy changes.

Jan.13.2023
New York Governor Hochul proposes tobacco policy changes.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul plans to ban flavored tobacco products and raise cigarette taxes to reduce smoking rates.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address and immediately turned her attention to heated tobacco and other flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. The nation has already banned the sale of flavored electronic cigarette products.


The new governor of New York has outlined some tobacco policy changes she hopes to enact, including banning the sale of all flavored tobacco products and increasing the tax on every pack of combustible cigarettes from $4.35 to $5.35.


One of the world's most prominent anti-tobacco organizations, the Smoke-Free Kids Movement supported by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, praised the governor's plan. Any modification to the New York tobacco laws would first need to be approved by the state legislature.


According to a brochure from the governor's office, these actions are expected to decrease the number of young people who smoke by 9%, prevent 22,000 young people from becoming smokers, and prevent premature deaths caused by smoking.


California and Massachusetts are states that ban the sale of flavored tobacco products.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Poland to ban “characterising flavours” in heated tobacco sticks from Jan. 18, 2026
Poland to ban “characterising flavours” in heated tobacco sticks from Jan. 18, 2026
Poland will implement an amended health protection law on January 18, 2026, restricting the availability of tobacco inserts used in heated tobacco devices. The new rules prohibit products with a “characterising flavour,” meaning a clearly noticeable taste or smell other than tobacco, derived from additives and detectable before or during use.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Launches Limited-Edition “Purple Dusk” Colorway for Ploom AURA, Priced at JPY 2,980
Japan Tobacco Launches Limited-Edition “Purple Dusk” Colorway for Ploom AURA, Priced at JPY 2,980
Japan Tobacco has launched the fourth installment of its limited-color series for the Ploom AURA heated-tobacco device, unveiling “Purple Dusk” . Priced at JPY 2,980 (about USD 18.7, tax included), it goes on limited early sale via official channels from Jan 13, before rolling out to convenience stores and other retail outlets across Japan from Jan 20.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alabama Senate Passes SB9 to Ban Vaping in Indoor Public Places
Alabama Senate Passes SB9 to Ban Vaping in Indoor Public Places
Alabama’s Senate approved SB9 by a 31–1 vote, expanding existing indoor smoking restrictions to include vaping in a wide range of public places. The bill keeps the current $25 fine, renames the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act, and now heads to the House. If enacted, it would take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive | China Releases E-Cigarette Regulatory “Status Report”, First Comprehensive Disclosure of Oversight Framework and International Cooperation
Exclusive | China Releases E-Cigarette Regulatory “Status Report”, First Comprehensive Disclosure of Oversight Framework and International Cooperation
As 2025 draws to a close, China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration has released a white paper–style “Status Report” on e-cigarette regulation, systematically outlining its oversight framework, enforcement outcomes and international cooperation. 2Firsts provides exclusive in-depth reporting and analysis, offering insight into China’s regulatory logic and governance direction.
Dec.29 by 2Firsts Perspectives
China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China’s Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration have announced adjustments to export tax rebate policies, placing nicotine-containing non-combustible inhalation products within the scope of items subject to rebate cancellation. The measures will take effect from April 1, 2026.
Regulations
Jan.10
Wigan Council and Police Seize Illegal Cigarettes and Vapes Worth £145,000
Wigan Council and Police Seize Illegal Cigarettes and Vapes Worth £145,000
Wigan Council said its Trading Standards team, working with Greater Manchester Police, has seized large quantities of illegal cigarettes and vaping products across the borough in 2025. The confiscated goods, valued at around £145,000, were linked to multiple enforcement actions, including the temporary closure of retail premises and criminal prosecutions. The council said the measures aim to reduce risks posed by illicit tobacco and vape products, particularly to children.
Dec.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai