Read articles from Asia

March 26, 2026 by chosun.com

Growing attention is being paid to how taxation of nicotine products can shape both consumer behaviour and public health outcomes. Governments are increasingly using fiscal policy not only to raise revenue but also to discourage the use of higher-risk products such as combustible cigarettes. At the same time, the rise of alternatives like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco is complicating traditional tax frameworks. Policymakers face the challenge of aligning taxation with relative risk in order to support harm reduction while maintaining regulatory consistency. The debate highlights broader tensions between economic priorities and the goal of reducing smoking-related harm.

March 18, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu

A study by Fraunhofer Institute reveals that almost half of vapes in Europe stem from irregular sources, amounting to a €6.6 billion market. The research, tracking supply chains and customs data, unveils links to illegal transactions. China dominates as the main supplier, particularly from Shenzhen, with 90% of products coming from there. Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium serve as key distribution centers. Enforcement faces challenges due to increasing parcel volumes. These irregular trades cause tax losses and pressure legitimate retailers, with bans likely to boost illicit market growth. Recommendations include digital tracking systems and enhanced cooperation to combat the issue.

March 17, 2026 by rappler.com

Vape products confiscated by the Department of Trade and Industry in the Philippines are destroyed. The Department of Health urges a total ban on vaping to protect youth health. Health experts propose stricter regulations on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Cases of vaping-related lung injuries and rising youth usage are concerning. Experts highlight the deceptive marketing tactics targeting children. Regulations are seen as inadequate, with sellers evading restrictions. Former health officials support a total vape ban to prevent the Philippines from being a dumping ground for rejected products. The Senate is considering increasing the age restriction for these products.

March 17, 2026 by bworldonline.com

The Department of Health urges a complete ban on e-cigarettes and vaping to address regulatory loopholes. Current restrictions are ineffective in preventing youth access. A unified tax and age limit of 25 are proposed as interim measures. In ASEAN, eight countries have already banned vape products. A suggestion is for the regulation of vapes and heated tobacco to return to the Department of Health and the FDA due to health concerns. The Department of Trade and Industry, currently regulating these products, has seized HTPs worth P519 million. Age restrictions may increase to 21.

March 16, 2026 by brusselssignal.eu

Almost half of Europe's e-cigarette market is supplied by China through irregular sources. The illicit market is projected to reach €10.8 billion by 2030, highlighting gaps in EU customs and consumer protection. A study finds China's strong control over products domestically contrasts with lack of control on exports to Europe. Legal shipments from China overwhelm customs, enabling untaxed and unregulated products. The shadow market poses health risks and tax evasion, with €119 million evaded in Germany alone. The study calls for uniform EU product definitions, digital traceability, and cooperation with China to stabilize the market, warning against blanket bans. Tightening regulations without addressing supply chain issues may worsen the situation.

February 24, 2026 by scmp.com

In Malaysia, vaping has shifted underground, becoming discreet and less openly available. Batrisyia notes the disappearance of prominent displays and online sales. Vapes are now sold quietly in some shops. The discreet pen-like devices offer a simple, odorless experience. In Pontian, Malaysia, where Batrisyia resides, the appeal of discretion has grown due to the underground nature of the trade.

February 24, 2026 by tobaccoreporter.com

Indonesian health groups urge the Ministry of Health to require graphic health warnings and plain packaging for e-cigarettes due to growing youth use and lack of regulation. They warn that colorful packaging and lax oversight raise the risk of addiction and exposure to harmful substances among adolescents, advocating for stricter enforcement and a social media advertising ban. With high teen smoking rates, the groups push for swift regulatory measures to reduce youth consumption and improve oversight.

February 23, 2026 by reuters.com

On Friday, the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration of China issued a notice aimed at curbing price wars in the country’s e-cigarette industry. The regulator instructed manufacturers to address overcapacity by suspending new investment projects and halting the construction of additional production plants. Although it stated that the overall capacity utilisation rate remains at a high level, the authority expressed concern about excessive expansion and intensified competition. The notice also warned companies not to circumvent the directive by building facilities officially designated for other products but in reality used to manufacture e-cigarettes.

February 23, 2026 by bbc.com

Singapore has launched a new crackdown on vapes, eight years after officially banning the product, aligning its efforts with other countries that are tightening regulations on e-cigarettes. The move comes amid growing concern over a rise in teenage vaping, particularly involving so-called k-pods, which are e-cigarettes laced with etomidate, an anaesthetic normally used in hospitals. Authorities have introduced stricter penalties to address the issue, including fines, mandatory rehabilitation, and even caning for those found supplying k-pods.

February 05, 2026 by thestar.com.my

The South Korean government will reclassify all nicotine-based products as tobacco to regulate e-cigarettes and liquid vape sales starting April 24. The revised law includes health warnings, advertising restrictions, and penalties for violations. Vending machines must be in adult-only areas, and flavored products aimed at youth are banned. Concerns over underage access to e-cigarettes have prompted stricter regulations due to minors using liquid e-cigarettes more than traditional cigarettes. Unmanned e-cigarette shops have exploited loopholes in tobacco laws, lacking age-verification systems and youth restrictions.