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January 08, 2025 by dailyausaf.com

State Bank of Pakistan froze INGOs' accounts Tobacco-Free Kids and Vital Strategies for illegal activities in Pakistan. Local NGOs funded by these INGOs are not affected. Allegations of money laundering involving local NGOs and businesses like Wasabai were reported. Vital Strategies has operational violations and alleged links to India. Bruce Mandell chairs Vital Strategies and has ties to a Jewish family.

January 08, 2025 by nation.com.pk

Pakistan's Ministry of Interior's recent ban on INGOs like CTFK and Vital Strategies has sparked public interest due to alleged illegal activities. CTFK's Country Manager faced embezzlement accusations, raising questions about their operations. Mustehkam Pakistan highlighted the need for accountability. The ban was imposed for non-registration and violation of laws. Financial irregularities could have led Pakistan back on the FATF grey list. Funds misuse and alleged support for illicit mafias have damaged tobacco control efforts. The INGOs' influence on policy-making and lack of transparency were concerning. Stricter oversight is crucial to align INGOs' work with Pakistan's priorities and legal framework, safeguarding national interests and public health.

January 08, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

CAPHRA supports Thailand's shift towards more inclusive e-cigarette regulations for harm reduction, highlighting the importance of considering all stakeholders' perspectives. The committee aims to present alternative solutions by December, moving beyond prohibition to regulate e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The organisation advocates for evidence-based policies that do not criminalize e-cigarette users, while addressing youth use concerns and recognizing benefits for adult smokers. They believe Thailand's approach could be a positive model for the region, promoting public health and individual choice. CAPHRA encourages further research, dialogue, and collaboration with stakeholders to improve harm reduction outcomes.

January 03, 2025 by scmp.com

Vietnam implemented strict rules against vapes, with fines up to 2 million dong for users and up to 3 billion dong for trading. Several countries like Australia, Turkey, and Thailand also have strict anti-vaping regulations due to health concerns about lung damage and nicotine addiction prevention. Travelers are advised to check vaping laws before flying, as violators can face fines or imprisonment of up to 15 years, depending on the quantity of products involved.

December 23, 2024 by vnexpress.net

Lawmakers approved an e-cigarette ban for next year, yet disguised e-cigarettes resembling toys are sold online at low prices. Some designed as colorful cartoon animals, teddy bear key chains, or milk boxes. E-commerce offers units at $4-8 each with vape juice. Sales have spiked by 20% due to appealing models. Social media groups, YouTube, and TikTok share info, targeting young buyers. Officials highlight health risks and addictive nicotine in e-cigarettes. Market authorities combat smuggling; HCMC alone seized 16,000 products valued at $5.4 billion. Instances of violations and large-scale production have been uncovered.

December 19, 2024 by asianews.network

Economist Dr. Arthur Laffer advised the Philippines to adjust high tobacco excise taxes, causing revenue loss and increased illicit trade. Laffer suggested aligning tax rates with revenue-maximizing levels to combat declining revenue and illicit trade growth. He emphasized the need for a tax system that balances revenue needs and economic impact. Laffer praised the country's tobacco tax reforms but recommended simplifying e-cigarette taxation. He also proposed streamlining regulations in capital markets and the mining sector. Laffer warned that further tax increases could worsen revenue declines and illicit trade. By reassessing tax rates and simplifying the tax system, the Philippines can boost revenue without hindering economic growth.

December 17, 2024 by tbsnews.net

The government has banned the import of e-cigarettes and ENDS products to protect public health due to concerns about their increasing use, particularly among young people. The decision was made by the Council of Advisers in Dhaka to address potential health risks and ensure public safety. Officials highlight the harmful effects of these products, emphasizing the necessity for stricter regulations.

December 17, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Bangladesh is set to prohibit the import of e-cigarettes and related items to safeguard public health and protect future generations. The decision, following a proposal by the health services division, will include e-cigarettes in the list of banned products in the import policy order of the ministry of commerce, as reported by bdnews24.

December 10, 2024 by inquirer.net

HealthJustice Philippines, advocating for public health, urges the Philippines to follow its Southeast Asian neighbors in banning electronic cigarettes and vapes. Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan emphasizes the need for stronger regulations to protect citizens, especially the youth, from nicotine addiction. Several countries in the region, including Vietnam, have already implemented bans. The urgency is highlighted by the rising vaping trend among Filipino adolescents, with concerning health impacts and one recorded death. Galvez Tan calls on policymakers to take decisive action to safeguard public health and recommends stricter regulations, including an immediate ban on these products, to combat the vaping epidemic in the country.

December 09, 2024 by bangkokpost.com

Health advocates criticize plans to legalize e-cigarettes in Thailand due to concerns of bias and public health impacts. Suggestions to lift the ban on e-cigarettes, legalise heated tobacco products, or legalize all e-cigarettes clash with global anti-e-cigarette trends. Experts highlight the need for strict control measures, citing risks of youth addiction and healthcare costs. Advocates emphasize the importance of protecting public health, especially children, and stress the financial burden and societal impacts of smoking-related illnesses. Additionally, they point out contradictions in arguments for economic benefits through e-cigarette legalization.