Stories

The WHO is calling on Vietnam to explicitly add e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to its banned investment list. Although a nationwide ban on their production, trade, import, and use is set to take effect in 2025, the products are still widely available. WHO warns that failing to include them in the Investment Law may leave loopholes for companies to continue producing or exporting them. The organization also points to hospital data showing a significant decrease in related emergency cases after the ban, arguing this strengthens the case for stricter legal measures.

Uzbekistan has criminalized the circulation of electronic cigarettes and related products under recent amendments to the Law. Offenders face fines, corrective labor, restriction of liberty, or imprisonment. Those reporting violations are exempt from liability. The draft law on this matter was approved by the Senate in April.

Before the WHO’s FCTC COP11 meeting, the UK’s public health minister promised to support tobacco harm reduction, but the UK delegation ultimately did not follow through. During the opening plenary, the UK expressed interest in forward-looking measures, even though these threatened vaping and other reduced-risk products. The delegation emphasized the dangers of tobacco but highlighted policies under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill that could hinder safer nicotine alternatives. Rather than advocating for harm reduction, the statement focused on concerns about new nicotine products. Overall, the UK appeared more interested in aligning with the WHO and promoting a generational tobacco ban than in supporting smokers seeking safer options.

The World Health Organization's COP11 on tobacco control ended, criticizing harm reduction measures as industry tactics. New Zealand's success in reducing smoking rates with THR was scorned, earning them the "Dirty Ashtray" award. Mexico, despite high smoking rates, was celebrated for banning vapes. COP11 excluded THR advocates and was funded by anti-THR entities. Calls for transparency and evidence-based regulations were made. The agenda items impacting THR were deferred to COP12 in 2027. Despite some positive agreements on tobacco control funding, COP11 mainly resulted in a stalemate for THR advocates, while bans on safer alternatives were pushed. Policymaking at COP11 was seen as ineffective in tackling smoking-related harm.

This GFN Voices 2025 episode brings together advocates, scientists and campaigners from around the world to share why the Global Forum on Nicotine matters, how tobacco harm reduction is being misunderstood, and why honest communication, access to safer products and open debate are essential for helping people move away from smoking.

The WHO warns that sleek disposable e-cigarettes and candy-flavored nicotine pouches are targeting youth, driving a new wave of nicotine addiction. WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus highlighted schools as a frontline where companies recruit young users. Nearly 15 million teens worldwide now use e-cigarettes. While global tobacco use among youth has declined by a third over 20 years, tobacco companies are creating new products to attract customers, and over eight million people still die annually from tobacco-related diseases.

Following the WHO COP11 meetings, discussions around banning nicotine pouches amid failed agreements highlight issues within tobacco regulation. Patrik Strömer criticizes the FCTC's focus on ideology over successful harm reduction tactics like New Zealand's, while Sweden's progress is understated. COP11's recognition of countries without significant harm reduction success raises concerns about future tobacco policies. Strömer expresses doubts about COP12's efficacy in curbing smoking rates, citing disconnect between FCTC's discussions and practical outcomes. Although leaving room for EU regulatory updates, bans on nicotine pouches in UN facilities lack substantial impact. Strömer questions the effectiveness of the FCTC, emphasizing the need for tangible results in reducing smoking worldwide.

Less than a year into his second term, President Trump is facing the consequences of decisions made during the Biden years, especially visible in the crisis of the illicit nicotine market. Currently, up to 85% of vaping devices sold in the U.S. are illegal because they have not received FDA authorization. Around 9 in 10 products have never undergone full FDA review, have not been approved for sale, or are stuck in the agency’s backlog. The ingredients and manufacturing processes of devices that avoid FDA oversight remain unknown.

Over 28 illegal e-cigarette websites and 200 selling illegal tobacco products are on Shopify. Federal law bans e-cigarette sales to under-21s and requires FDA approval. Attorneys general demand Shopify stop violations. Parents should monitor teens' online activity, educate on risks, and use parental controls. Nationwide actions target e-commerce platforms avoiding regulations. Vigilance is crucial to combat illegal vaping sales and protect youth.

Maria Papaioannoy, a Canadian advocate for safer nicotine products, exposes the FCTC's closed-door decision-making at COP11, resembling a belief-driven system. GATC enforces FCTC policies aggressively. Concerns arise as policies seem to protect tobacco, hindering harm reduction. Canada is being used as a testing ground, shifting focus to nicotine control. Provinces like British Columbia and Quebec are influenced, impacting public health. Advocates call for transparency, evidence-based choices, and respect for experiences with safer nicotine products. The push for dialogue, advocacy, and empowerment against restrictive policies marks the beginning of a movement for safer choices worldwide.