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June 23, 2025 by worldvapersalliance.com

Bloomberg’s War on Harm Reduction Faces Consumer Backlash at Tobacco Conference

The World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin features the launch of the campaign "Voices Unheard – Consumers Matter!" by the World Vapers’ Alliance, advocating for consumer inclusion in tobacco control debates. Consumers demand a seat at the table to share their experiences and the benefits of reduced-risk products. The campaign responds to the WHO's proposed ban on flavored nicotine products, highlighting the need for evidence-based harm reduction policies. Consumers deserve a voice in decision-making processes to ensure policies prioritize public health effectively. The campaign aims to challenge the exclusion of consumer perspectives and push for genuine inclusion in global tobacco control discussions.

June 23, 2025 by worldvapersalliance.com

Bloomberg’s War on Harm Reduction Faces Consumer Backlash at Tobacco Conference

The World Vapers’ Alliance launches “Voices Unheard – Consumers Matter!” at the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin, highlighting the absence of consumer perspectives in global tobacco discussions. Advocating for inclusion in decision-making, the campaign opposes bans on safer nicotine products. As the WHO calls for restrictions, the campaign stresses the importance of evidence-based harm reduction policies. Ahead of COP11 in Geneva, it urges policymakers to listen to consumers impacted by tobacco regulations. The initiative aims to amplify voices silenced by policy decisions, emphasizing the need for genuine inclusion and recognition of the benefits of harm reduction methods for smoking cessation.

June 21, 2025 by delano.lu

Nicotine vs. combustion: Sweden’s THR blueprint for health

BAT aims to promote tobacco harm reduction through alternatives like vaping and heated tobacco. Fierens Gevaert advocates for informed choices, highlighting Sweden's success in reducing smoking rates using products like nicotine pouches. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing nicotine from tobacco combustion as the main cause of smoking-related diseases. Omni, BAT's knowledge-sharing platform, seeks to address misconceptions and provide evidence for harm reduction. Fierens Gevaert suggests that adopting Sweden's approach could save lives across Europe, emphasizing the role of reduced-risk products in public health strategies.

June 18, 2025 by antaranews.com

Smoke Free Sweden: Oral Nicotine Pouches Are Game-changer for Women in Sweden's Smoke-free Success

Oral nicotine pouches significantly contribute to reducing smoking rates in Sweden, especially among women. Their effectiveness in aiding smoking cessation has led to a nearly 200% increase in quit rates for women. These pouches are preferred over other quit aids, such as vapes and gum, due to being clean, socially acceptable, and stigma-free. Sweden's successful harm reduction strategy has lowered the smoking rate to 5.3%, with notable decreases in lung and total cancer deaths. However, excessive regulation could hinder progress, particularly for women. Providing access to effective quit aids like nicotine pouches is crucial for achieving a smoke-free future.

June 16, 2025 by irishtimes.com

Tobacco companies want tighter age rules on sale of nicotine pouches

Vaping and tobacco companies in Ireland called for regulations on nicotine pouches and e-vapour products due to concerns about appealing to young people. Japan Tobacco International and British American Tobacco urged for age restrictions and health warnings on packaging. The companies emphasized the need to prevent underage sales and reduce nicotine concentrations. Meanwhile, a vaping retailer criticized proposed strict regulations on vaping products and suggested alternative measures, including better enforcement and a deposit scheme for disposable devices. The companies' concerns were acknowledged by the Minister for Health.

June 16, 2025 by express.co.uk

Vapes could have age-test so they don't work unless you are over 18

Proposals to tighten regulations on vaping and smoking include age verification technology for e-cigarettes and banning tobacco sales to those born after Jan 1, 2009. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill faces criticism for potential risks to shop staff and black-market sales. Amendments suggested in the House of Lords aim to introduce a tobacco ban by 2040, set a minimum price for vapes, and enhance health warnings. Lord Lansley's idea involves fitting vapes with age-gating technology. The legislation, backed by both Conservatives and Labour, will be reviewed by the Lords and then the Commons. However, concerns exist that restricting vape flavors might hinder smoking cessation efforts. Vaping is recognized by the NHS as a safer alternative to smoking.

June 16, 2025 by dawn.com

Colourful vapes in fun flavours might be a bigger problem in Pakistan than you think

The text discusses the rise of vaping in Pakistan, with shops selling e-cigarettes targeted at adults but attracting young users with fruity flavors. Despite claims of being safer than cigarettes, health experts remain cautious due to unknown long-term effects. The tobacco industry is pivoting towards nicotine products, leading to concerns about addiction and access to underage users. Weak regulations in Pakistan allow for a thriving market, while global concerns about the environmental impact of disposable vapes are also highlighted. The narrative questions the true safety of vaping, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns to prevent a potential health crisis.

June 13, 2025 by croatiaweek.com

Croatia to increase excise duties on tobacco and e-cigarettes from 1 July

Croatia's Government raised excise duties on tobacco products while introducing a new tax on e-cigarette liquids from July 1, 2025. The changes include higher taxes on cigarettes, fine-cut tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, heated tobacco, and e-liquids. Cigarette excise duty increased to €56.10 per 1,000 cigarettes, with other tobacco products also facing tax hikes. Notably, e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes will now be taxed at €0.20 per millilitre. These adjustments are projected to generate an extra €74.7 million for the state budget and have public health benefits.

June 12, 2025 by irishexaminer.com

Freely available nicotine replacement therapy raises rate of people who quit smoking

Research in Ireland shows higher smoking cessation rates after the introduction of free nicotine replacement therapy. The study found that access to free NRT led to 41% of smokers quitting after four weeks, compared to 29% when it was not free. The findings suggest the benefits of providing free NRT to smokers. The study also noted an increase in NRT uptake and identified groups, such as women and long-term smokers, benefitting from the free therapy. The results highlight the importance of universal NRT access in promoting successful smoking cessation and call for equitable access on an international scale to combat smoking-related deaths.

June 11, 2025 by nltimes.nl

Dutch doctors threaten legal action against snapchat over illegal vape sales

Doctors from LUMC, the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, and Rookpreventie Jeugd are threatening legal action against Snapchat over the illegal sale of flavored vapes. The lawyers demand that Snapchat block vape-related content within two weeks, citing European regulations. The sale of flavored vapes is illegal in the Netherlands, but their circulation, especially among minors, persists. Snapchat responded by stating their prohibition of illegal activities and use of detection technology. The doctors aim to protect children and may escalate the issue to authorities if demands are not met. Discussions continue on the platform's responsibilities and potential solutions to combat illegal vape sales.