Read articles from Europe

October 18, 2024 by theguardian.com

Rachel Reeves is considering raising the tax on vaping products in her upcoming budget due to concerns about youth vaping rates. The proposal follows a previous consultation by the Conservative government. Recent data shows a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds in England have tried e-cigarettes. The move aims to curb youth vaping by making it less affordable. This tax increase could also lead to a rise in tobacco duty to prevent a shift to smoking. The government estimates this change could generate significant revenue for the exchequer. The potential redesign of the tax system aligns with broader public health initiatives such as restrictions on junk food adverts and energy drink sales to minors.

October 17, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

France plans to raise e-liquid taxes by 38%, imposing a €0.15 flat tax per milliliter. FiVape warns this could hinder smoking cessation efforts, with independent vape companies most affected. The move is seen as a result of tobacco industry lobbying to combat vaping's popularity. The law would increase prices by 25% for 10 ml and 38% for 50 ml e-liquids, disproportionately impacting smaller companies. Disposable vapes may face a 7.5% hike. FiVape criticizes the government for favoring closed system tobacco products over open vaping. They argue that taxing vaping as Big Tobacco desires is detrimental to public health, the environment, and ethics, potentially discouraging smokers from quitting.

October 16, 2024 by usnews.com

British American Tobacco plans to introduce Velo Plus nicotine pouches in the U.S. in 2025, containing synthetic nicotine instead of the traditional tobacco-derived nicotine. This move allows for faster regulatory approval by avoiding the FDA's lengthy application process. The company anticipates growth in vape and nicotine pouch revenues in the U.S. market, aiming for industry-wide revenues to increase significantly by 2030. BAT sees a decline in combustible tobacco revenue as abnormal, projecting future revenue growth to stabilize at around 1% for the rest of the decade. BAT's focus on synthetic nicotine reflects a strategic shift in the tobacco industry.

October 16, 2024 by usnews.com

British American Tobacco plans to introduce Velo Plus nicotine pouches in the U.S. in 2025, containing synthetic nicotine instead of the traditional tobacco-derived nicotine. This move allows for faster regulatory approval by avoiding the FDA's lengthy application process. The company anticipates growth in vape and nicotine pouch revenues in the U.S. market, aiming for industry-wide revenues to increase significantly by 2030. BAT sees a decline in combustible tobacco revenue as abnormal, projecting future revenue growth to stabilize at around 1% for the rest of the decade. BAT's focus on synthetic nicotine reflects a strategic shift in the tobacco industry.

October 16, 2024 by reuters.com

British American Tobacco (BAT) is set to launch a version of its Velo nicotine pouches using synthetic nicotine in the U.S., announced David Waterfield, president of Reynolds American, BAT's U.S. subsidiary. Traditionally, smoking alternatives like vapes from major tobacco companies contain nicotine derived from the tobacco plant, while synthetic nicotine is lab-made. BAT's new product, Velo Plus, to be released in 2025, will feature synthetic nicotine, marking one of the first major uses of this type by a large tobacco firm. Synthetic nicotine became more popular in the U.S. to bypass the FDA's lengthy application process for marketing new nicotine products.

October 14, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

French consumer vaping organization SOVAPE is closing down due to obstacles including restrictions on conducting surveys and unfounded accusations. Established in 2016, SOVAPE organized vape summits and contributed to tobacco harm reduction efforts. Despite aiding in raising awareness about vaping benefits, the organization faced attacks and misinformation. Its final donations will support health organizations and vaping groups. Recent surveys showed high recognition of vaping's effectiveness in smoking cessation, but misinformation persists. SOVAPE regrets the inability to continue promoting harm reduction in France but remains proud of its efforts to save lives through vaping advocacy.

October 11, 2024 by vejpkollen.se

Johan Hultberg, a member of Sweden's Moderate Party, has long pushed for harm reduction in tobacco policy. Recent government budget plans show a shift towards this approach, focusing on reducing harm from nicotine use. Hultberg emphasizes the importance of differentiating between nicotine products based on their harm levels. With a change in policy objectives, efforts will target reducing medical and social harm caused by tobacco. This change aims to shape both national and international policies. Recent actions include lowering taxes on smokeless products while increasing them on cigarettes.

October 10, 2024 by filtermag.org

Ireland's Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly, received approval to restrict nicotine vapes despite public consultation results. The legislation aims to reduce youth vaping by banning sales to under-18s, limiting flavors and displays, and imposing a new vape tax. Critics fear the restrictions will hinder smoking cessation efforts and harm reduction. Advocates highlight the positive impact of vapes on quitting smoking. Donnelly ignored concerns around removing popular products and flavors, risking a return to smoking. The move has sparked debate on balancing youth protection and harm reduction for adult smokers. McGovern warns against harms of prohibition based on the Australian experience.

October 10, 2024 by expats.cz

The Czech Republic is set to implement significant new regulations on substances such as kratom, low-THC hemp, and flavored e-cigarettes. These measures aim to protect young people from the risks associated with psychoactive substances and promote safer consumption practices. Amended legislation on addictive substances will restrict the sale of kratom and low-THC hemp starting in December. The Senate recently approved the amendment, which limits sales of these products to adults in specialized stores and prohibits sales through vending machines. The legislation also mandates age verification for online purchases and bans items resembling toys or candy to deter children from accessing these substances.

October 10, 2024 by globalcompliancenews.com

New tobacco legislation in Switzerland effective from 1 October 2024 includes regulations on e-cigarettes, tobacco products, and protections for minors. The Tobacco Products Law and Tobacco Products Ordinance aim to create uniform regulations across Switzerland by covering various tobacco products and nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. Changes include prohibited additives in products, mandatory packaging information, and advertising restrictions, particularly targeting children and young adults. Sales to minors, age restriction checks, and advertising restrictions are part of the new legislation.