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December 29, 2025 by aol.com

Smoking and vaping are public health challenges. Despite anti-smoking efforts in the US, new cigarette users are rising, partly due to celebrities' influence. Vapes were meant to help smokers but turned into a new epidemic with counterfeit products. Nicotine pouches offer a tobacco-free alternative, showing promise. The US should learn from the UK's stricter regulations, raising the legal age for tobacco and proposing a ban on nicotine products for youth. Industry and government collaboration is crucial to prevent youth nicotine use. The focus should be on aiding adult smokers and avoiding creating a new generation of nicotine users. Achieving a tobacco-free world is possible.

December 17, 2025 by indiatimes.com

The Indian government clarified in Parliament that electronic cigarettes remain banned, with no cases related to vape devices with narcotic substances investigated by the Narcotics Control Bureau. Measures to prevent smuggling include vigilance at airports and ports, passenger profiling, and use of detection dogs. The government also highlighted initiatives to combat substance abuse, such as a national narcotics helpline and de-addiction services. E-cigarettes gained attention after a complaint was filed against a Trinamool Congress member for allegedly smoking one in the Lok Sabha. No amendments to the NDPS Act are currently proposed.

December 17, 2025 by filtermag.org

Vietnam recently amended its Investment Law to extend the ban on nicotine vapes and heated tobacco products. The move strengthens the existing prohibition, including personal use. The World Health Organization supported Vietnam's decision, claiming benefits such as reduced youth usage. However, experts question the evidence behind the ban's alleged positive effects. With a high smoking rate, Vietnam’s tobacco regulations face challenges. Critics highlight conflicts of interest, as the state-owned tobacco company dominates the market. The ban may fuel an illicit market, impacting neighboring countries like Laos and Thailand. Overall, the policy is seen as prioritizing economic interests over harm reduction and evidence-based policymaking.

December 16, 2025 by apa.az

The proposed amendment to the Law "On Tobacco and Tobacco Products" in Azerbaijan classifies nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes as tobacco products, banning their import, export, production, storage, and sale. The draft excludes heated tobacco products from this category. The changes aim to provide clearer classification and regulation, aligning with amendments in the Tax Code and advertising laws to remove excise duties on single-use electronic cigarettes and e-liquids and update advertising restrictions accordingly.

December 16, 2025 by news.az

Azerbaijan plans to ban electronic cigarettes and their components, reclassifying them as tobacco products under new amendments. The ban covers import, export, production, and sale, aiming to tighten regulations and clarify definitions for better control. Related changes to tax laws and advertising regulations are also proposed, including restricting advertising of non-nicotine e-cigarettes. The move follows discussions in parliamentary committees to align legislation with the updated classifications.

December 12, 2025 by thestatesman.com

Former Union Minister and BJP MP Anurag Singh Thakur filed a complaint to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging that an AITMC MP used an electronic cigarette inside the Lok Sabha chamber. Thakur said the act was witnessed by several members and reported to the Chair during Question Hour. In his letter, he described the incident as a serious violation of parliamentary rules and relevant laws.

December 12, 2025 by vietnamnews.vn

The World Health Organisation praises Vietnam's National Assembly for banning e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to protect public health. The decision, made a year ago and reinforced this week, aims to safeguard young people from the harmful effects of nicotine on brain development and long-term health risks. The WHO emphasizes that allowing any loopholes in the ban would undermine its effectiveness. Dr. Angela Pratt highlights the importance of upholding the ban to prioritize health over short-term economic gains. Restrictions on investment and commercial activities related to these products are crucial to enforcing the ban effectively.

December 12, 2025 by vnanet.vn

WHO Representative in Vietnam Dr Angela Pratt said, “WHO is delighted with the decision to include e-cigarettes and HTPs in the list of banned enterprises under the Investment Law, without exceptions. This is crucial for upholding the National Assembly’s ban on these products – Resolution 173.”

December 12, 2025 by vnanet.vn

WHO Representative in Vietnam Dr Angela Pratt said, “WHO is delighted with the decision to include e-cigarettes and HTPs in the list of banned enterprises under the Investment Law, without exceptions. This is crucial for upholding the National Assembly’s ban on these products – Resolution 173.”

December 09, 2025 by vietnamplus.vn

A 16-year-old Singaporean is the first etomidate abuser admitted to a Singaporean rehab center following its classification as a controlled drug. Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs and Health Sciences Authority reported his admission for a two-month program after three etomidate-related offenses. The rehab includes psychology-based programs, family support, and religious counseling. Additionally, a 15-year-old Myanmar national had her visit pass revoked for possessing an etomidate e-vaporizer. This is the first foreigner case under Singapore's anti-vaping laws, where possessing etomidate can lead to deportation and a ban from re-entry.