Stories

A drafting error in Germany's tobacco tax legislation has created uncertainty over e-liquid duties for the remainder of 2026. The revised law took effect earlier than intended, while new vaping tax rates are not scheduled to begin until January 2027.

Industry representatives argue that the mistake has left a temporary gap in taxation, although the Finance Ministry maintains that existing rates remain valid.

The dispute highlights the importance of regulatory clarity for businesses and consumers. Beyond administrative errors, nicotine taxation should provide predictable rules while recognising the role of affordable smoke-free alternatives in reducing smoking-related harm.

Smoking remains a major public health challenge in Armenia, where more than half of men aged 15 and over smoke, despite restrictions on tobacco advertising, retail displays and smoking in public places.

Weak enforcement, established smoking habits and social norms have contributed to limited progress. Meanwhile, regulations covering both cigarettes and e-cigarettes may reduce opportunities for smokers to transition to lower-risk alternatives.

Armenia's experience highlights the limitations of conventional tobacco control measures alone and the potential role of tobacco harm reduction in addressing persistently high smoking rates.

Two recently published scientific papers have raised concerns about how nicotine dependence and smoking-related health risks are presented in medical research.

Cliff Douglas highlights a recurring problem: nicotine concentration is often treated as an indicator of harm, despite substantial differences in toxic exposure between cigarettes and smoke-free products.

The distinction is particularly important for smoking cessation, as effective nicotine delivery can help adults replace cigarettes without continued exposure to combustion. Greater scientific precision is essential to understanding relative risk and supporting evidence-based tobacco harm reduction.

Responsible vape retailers should not face the same treatment as businesses selling illegal products, the UK Vaping Industry Association has told MPs.

The UKVIA is calling for stronger licensing, tougher enforcement and meaningful penalties against rogue traders, alongside recognition of specialist vape shops that provide age-verified access and advice to adult smokers.

With approximately 3.3 million former smokers now vaping in Great Britain, the distinction matters for tobacco harm reduction. Effective regulation should tackle illicit sales and protect young people while preserving responsible retail channels that support adults moving away from cigarettes.

Canada's pharmacy-only model for nicotine pouches has created an unusual regulatory imbalance. Since 2024, authorised pouches have been restricted to pharmacy sales, while unauthorised products remain widely available through online and retail channels.

At GFN 2026, pharmacist Todd Prochnau examined the practical consequences of this approach, including barriers to access, additional pressure on pharmacists and inconsistent risk communication.

The experience raises important questions about whether restricting regulated smoke-free alternatives supports smoking cessation or unintentionally strengthens the illicit market. Effective tobacco harm reduction requires both appropriate safeguards and realistic consumer access.

A new study in JAMA Cardiology examining vascular function and cardiovascular fitness among young adults who vape has drawn criticism from leading researchers over significant methodological limitations.

With just 17 vapers and 19 smokers included, experts warn that the findings cannot establish causation or demonstrate equivalent cardiovascular risks between vaping and smoking. Differences in participants’ smoking histories, physical activity and lifestyle factors further complicate interpretation.

The expert responses underline the importance of robust study design and accurate risk communication, particularly as stronger evidence suggests that switching completely from smoking to vaping can reduce cardiovascular harm.