Vape Laws and Regulations Weekly Report - June 24, 2024

Highlights:

• U.S. FDA and DOJ Joint Action: Permanent Injunction on E-Liquid Manufacturer
• Canadian Government Releases Draft Vaping Tax Regulations
• South Australian Politician Proposes Raising Tobacco Purchase Age; Focus on Disposable E-Cigarette Control
• China-Australia Annual Meeting Includes Cooperation on Combatting Illegal Tobacco and E-Cigarette Smuggling
• Philippines Sets Certification Deadline for E-Cigarette Products; To Collaborate with E-Commerce Giants
• Philippines to Implement QR Code System for Tracking E-Cigarette Products
• Thai Police Seize Over 80,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes Worth Nearly $500,000
• Kazakhstan's E-Cigarette Ban Enforced with Heavy Fines and Criminal Penalties
• U.S. FDA Approves First Menthol E-Cigarettes for Sale in the U.S.
• Poland Delays Disposable E-Cigarette Ban to Early 2025
• Romanian House of Representatives Passes New Bill Banning E-Cigarette Advertising

U.S. FDA and DOJ Joint Action: Permanent Injunction on E-Liquid Manufacturer

The U.S. Federal District Court in Colorado has issued a permanent injunction against Boosted LLC and its owner, Cory Vigil, prohibiting the manufacture or sale of new tobacco products without FDA authorization. Colorado currently has a state-level registration system in place. Read more

U.S. FDA Approves First Menthol E-Cigarettes for Sale

On June 21, the FDA announced the approval of four menthol e-cigarette products from NJOY, marking the first non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes authorized by the agency. This approval could signal a more favorable regulatory environment for flavored e-cigarettes in the future. Read more

Canadian Government Releases Draft Vaping Tax Regulations

The Canadian Department of Finance has released draft regulations allowing several provinces and territories to join the coordinated vaping taxation framework, with tax rate adjustments effective July 1, 2024. The increased taxes will affect both participating and non-participating jurisdictions. Read more

South Australian Politician Proposes Raising Tobacco Purchase Age

An independent MP in South Australia has proposed gradually increasing the legal age to purchase tobacco until it effectively bans anyone born after 2009 from buying or smoking. The state's Health Minister emphasized reducing youth usage of disposable e-cigarettes. Read more

China-Australia Annual Meeting Discusses Combatting Illegal Tobacco and E-Cigarette Smuggling

The annual meeting between the Chinese and Australian Prime Ministers included discussions on strengthening cooperation to combat illegal tobacco and e-cigarette smuggling, marking a significant step in international regulatory collaboration.Read more

Philippines Sets Certification Deadline for E-Cigarette Products

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry has mandated that all e-cigarette products be certified by September 7, 2024. Uncertified products will be confiscated after this date. The government is also partnering with major e-commerce platforms to curb illegal sales. Read more

Philippines to Implement QR Code System for E-Cigarette Products

Starting in the second half of 2025, the Philippines will introduce a digital tracking system using QR codes for tobacco, alcohol, sugary drinks, and e-cigarettes to enhance product traceability and compliance. Read more

Thai Police Seize Over 80,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes

In a major raid, Thai authorities confiscated over 80,000 illegal e-cigarettes valued at nearly $500,000, underscoring the ongoing efforts to clamp down on illicit vaping products. Read more

Kazakhstan's E-Cigarette Ban Enforced

Kazakhstan's new law banning the sale and import of e-cigarettes is now in effect, with heavy fines and criminal penalties for violators. Read more

Poland Delays Disposable E-Cigarette Ban to Early 2025

The Polish Ministry of Health has announced that the ban on disposable e-cigarettes will now take effect in early 2025, providing additional time for stakeholders to comply. Read more

Romanian House of Representatives Passes Bill Banning E-Cigarette Advertising

Romania's House of Representatives has passed a new bill that will completely ban the advertising of e-cigarettes, marking a significant regulatory change. Read more

This week's report highlights significant regulatory developments and enforcement actions across multiple countries, reflecting the global efforts to regulate and control the e-cigarette market.

Vape Industry Update:

• BAT Plans to Launch E-Cigarette Vending Machines in UK Pubs to Sell VUSE and Velo Products
  BAT plans to install vending machines in bars and pubs to sell e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches to boost product sales. The vending machines will feature advanced age verification technology to prevent underage purchases. This move has raised concerns about its potential impact on sales in nearby stores.
  Read more

• UK Consultancy Arcus Compliance Ltd Acquires VapeClick Platform to Strengthen Regulatory Influence
  Arcus Compliance Ltd, a regulatory consultancy focused on the e-cigarette industry and an official board member of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), announced on the 18th its strategic acquisition of VapeClick. VapeClick is considered the most comprehensive online directory in the UK's e-cigarette industry, covering data on e-cigarette and vaping products certified by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) submitted and notified through a single online portal. This acquisition aims to further enhance Arcus Compliance's influence and service capabilities in the field of regulatory compliance consultancy.
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