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July 15, 2025 by westernstandard.news

Iceland's government is facing backlash over a proposed bill that would tighten all tobacco and nicotine regulations under one law. The draft, released in June, aims to ban flavored nicotine pouches, require plain packaging, prohibit online sales, and impose heavy fines on retailers who violate age verification rules. Manufacturers would also need new permits to sell their products. Public response has been mostly negative—by the July 3 deadline, 190 formal submissions were received, with many accusing the health ministry of overreaching.

July 15, 2025 by irishexaminer.com

The HSE lacks funding for vaping and nicotine pouch addiction support in quit smoking programs, despite increased demand. A proposal for a cessation service awaits government approval, needing additional resources. Currently, services cater to those quitting tobacco or dual users. Concerns arise as vaping and nicotine pouch use surges among non-tobacco smokers. Regulation gaps and increased uptake of pouches prompt calls for expanded legislation. Efforts by the Minister of State for Public Health focus on youth addiction awareness and regulatory changes, like banning disposable vapes and limiting flavors. Cooperation with the Health Minister is essential to develop comprehensive strategies for vaping and pouch cessation within the overall health plan.

July 13, 2025 by nltimes.nl

Around 80,000 illegal sweet-flavored electronic cigarettes were seized at a Schiphol warehouse by the NVWA. The vapes had flavors like Lemonade, strawberry, and gummy bear, banned according to Dutch law. Another 70,000 refill bottles were found in a past case. The importer, previously caught, faced severe consequences. Only tobacco-flavored vapes are permitted in the Netherlands to prevent nicotine addiction in young people. The NVWA enforces this measure to support the National Prevention Agreement's goal for a smoke-free generation by 2040. In total, 265,000 illegal vapes have been confiscated since the ban was implemented last year.

July 09, 2025 by timesofmalta.com

Health authorities in Malta are concerned about the rising popularity of unregulated nicotine pouches among young people. The product poses health risks such as addiction and serves as a potential gateway to tobacco use for children. These concerns will be addressed in the forthcoming Tobacco Control Strategy 2025-2030. Nicotine pouches are sold in colourful containers with various flavors and nicotine strengths, commonly found in small stores and bars. While some users believe it helps cut down on smoking, authorities worry about its widespread availability and the misconception that it is less harmful than tobacco. The product's unregulated status raises concerns about its impact on public health.

July 07, 2025 by expats.cz

The Czech Ministry of Health plans to ban candy-like flavors in e-cigarettes, such as cotton candy, marshmallow, and donut, to curb vaping among children and teens. The new amendment aims to make vaping less attractive to young people. Although e-cigarette sales to minors are already illegal, government data shows that many stores do not enforce age restrictions, with over half of teenagers saying they can easily buy e-cigarette cartridges. The ban will not apply to all flavors.

July 04, 2025 by euronews.com

The Greek parliament has passed a new law to protect minors from smoking and alcohol. The legislation includes strict age verification for sales, bans smoking in certain public areas, and limits advertising. Violations—such as selling tobacco or alcohol to minors or employing them in bars—can result in fines up to €10,000 and up to three years in prison. The law is broad in scope and introduces strong penalties to ensure compliance.

July 04, 2025 by london-post.co.uk

Vaping has surged in the UK, with increasing regulations targeting illegal products. The country supports vaping as a smoking cessation aid but cracks down on non-compliant items. Legal alternatives include TPD-compliant disposables, pod systems, and open system kits. Options like the Hayati Pro Max and IVG 2400 pods provide satisfying, eco-friendly choices. Consumers and retailers are urged to prioritize legality and safety. Future trends may involve stricter regulations, emphasizing the importance of compliant products. Choosing legal vapes supports sustainability and long-term satisfaction while avoiding risks associated with illegal products.

July 04, 2025 by rtl.lu

France has expanded its smoking ban to include beaches, parks, and areas near schools to deter youth smoking. This has sparked a debate on whether Luxembourg should implement similar measures. The stricter ban in France aims to protect young people by prohibiting smoking in public spaces frequented by children. While Luxembourg has no beaches, discussions on extending smoking restrictions to places where children gather are ongoing. The push for anti-tobacco measures in Luxembourg continues, with initiatives focusing on raising awareness, supporting smokers to quit, and creating smoke-free zones. The goal is to reduce Luxembourg's smoking rate to below 5% by 2040.

July 04, 2025 by cnn.com

France has implemented a ban on smoking in all outdoor areas frequented by children, with fines of up to 135 euros for violators. Despite efforts to create a tobacco-free generation by 2032, some citizens feel the restrictions encroach on personal freedoms. Smoking rates in France are declining, but the country still faces challenges with illicit tobacco consumption. The government aims to protect youth and combat smoking despite resistance from tobacco industry lobbying. The new regulations do not currently ban e-cigarettes but include restrictions on ingredients. The ultimate goal is to reduce tobacco use and its harmful effects, with future steps possibly including further restrictions on smoking.

July 03, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com

BAT France welcomed the new AFNOR experimental standard XP V37-500, ensuring safety, quality, and transparency of nicotine pouches by setting strict guidelines. Developed with industry experts, it covers key areas like product composition (natural nicotine capped at 16.6 mg), manufacturing (GMP and traceability), toxicological evaluation, packaging (complying with European standards), and labeling (nicotine content, ingredients, allergens, warnings). Sébastien Charbonneau, BAT France's public affairs director, praised the standard as providing quality assurance and transparency for adult consumers in professional networks.