Stories

Health NZ's pilot programme provided vapes to 29 smoking cessation programs. Approximately 33% of 4326 individuals who quit smoking in seven months used the vaping kits. Health NZ is seeking quotes for more vapes to potentially continue the program permanently, depending on results. Vapes with various nicotine strengths and flavors are being requested. The pilot's success has prompted confidence in the continuation of supplying vapes. However, concerns have been raised by medical professionals and organizations regarding the approach of using vapes as a smoking cessation tool due to limited evidence supporting its efficacy and potential risks.

The Government plans to introduce licensing for shops selling vapes and tobacco to combat rogue traders targeting children. The licensing aims to shut down illicit operators and support legitimate retailers, with fines for rule breakers. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will also ban advertising, regulate flavors, and restrict where products are displayed. The move aims to protect children and curb youth vaping. Various organizations, including ASH and IBVTA, support evidence-based regulations. Local councils seek a balanced licensing system to safeguard youth without burdening responsible retailers.

Samsul Kamal Ariffin critiqued Malaysia's Health Ministry proposal to raise vape liquid excise duty by 900%, considering it illogical and detrimental to public health objectives. He emphasized the importance of treating vaping as a tobacco harm reduction tool to assist smokers in quitting. Samsul warned that banning or heavily taxing vape products could lead to an increase in the black market and harm stakeholders. The Finance Ministry had initially considered a more moderate tax increase from 40 sen to 80 sen per milliliter. Samsul urged the government to regulate vaping effectively for the benefit of public health, retailers, and tax revenue.

Precaution is essential for safety, but when translated into regulatory concepts by the European Commission, conflicts arise. The Gee Definition shifts the burden of proof for safety onto producers, hindering innovation. This approach, applied to GMOs and tobacco harm reduction products, leads to bans despite strong evidence of safety. Activists push a hazard-based approach, impacting regulations like the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive. The Commission's confusion between the precautionary principle and risk management hinders the acceptance of harm reduction alternatives. A shift towards understanding and implementing basic risk management concepts is crucial for rational policymaking.

BAT's UK and Ireland boss advocates for a "very strict" marketing framework to encourage smokers to switch to vapes. While the UK opposes further vape marketing, BAT sees advertising as essential for informing smokers about alternatives. The company's focus on closed vaping systems aims to reduce smoking rates. Despite concerns over vaping's long-term effects, it's considered less harmful than smoking. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to restrict advertising and underage sales to achieve a smoke-free generation. BAT opposes the bill's restrictions and argues for looser advertising rules and more penalties for underage sales. Ertonguc believes these measures will have a bigger impact on reducing smoking rates than the government's current legislation.

A leaked EU document reveals plans to regulate or ban non-smoked nicotine products like vaping devices and heated tobacco as potential public health threats. The EU dismisses harm reduction, focusing on strict regulations and possible bans on these products to protect youth and the environment. Critics warn this approach may increase cigarette use. The document signifies a shift from previous openness to harm reduction. By equating all nicotine use with smoking, the policy could inadvertently protect cigarettes. The EU's stance risks ignoring real-world data supporting harm reduction strategies. The proposed regulations could hinder safer alternatives, encouraging continued cigarette use, despite evidence of reduced smoking rates in countries with legal non-smoked nicotine products.

Ireland’s Department of Finance has introduced a tax on e-liquids, called the E-liquid Products Tax (EPT), effective 1 November 2025. The tax targets suppliers at the first point of supply, who must register with Revenue and self-assess the duty. The government says the measure aims to protect public health and curb vaping, especially among young people. While EU-wide rules on vaping taxation are under review, Ireland and other countries are implementing domestic taxes in the meantime.

Clive Bates urged a global reset in tobacco control policies at the GTNF, stating current approaches fail to address rising smoking-related deaths. He emphasized the need to embrace harm reduction strategies, criticizing the WHO's dismissal of reduced-risk products. Bates advocated for promoting alternatives like vaping and snus, highlighting Sweden's success. He condemned anti-industry bias within the FCTC, noting the need for collaboration. Bates called for a shift towards safer nicotine products and informed consumer choices to reduce smoking rates and save lives.

Sweden has sent official letters to several EU countries protesting their bans on nicotine pouches. The Swedish government argues that such bans violate the EU’s principle of free movement of goods. Nicotine pouches, similar to traditional Swedish snus but without tobacco, have become popular since 2014, especially among young people. While snus is banned in the EU except in Sweden, more countries — including Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Spain — are now banning or restricting nicotine pouches, raising tensions between Sweden and other EU members.

The text describes the crisis in public health in the United States. Six main factors are identified — complacency, commitment, commercialism, complexity, communication, and comportment. It is explained that misinformation, lack of trust, and weakened social responsibility threaten progress in public health. Education, clear communication, and ethical leadership are presented as key to restoring confidence and improving health outcomes.