Vape Legal and Regulatory Weekly Report - September 2, 2024

Key Highlights:

1. California, USA: Pleasanton Police Department, in collaboration with tax authorities, conducted a raid on three tobacco shops, seizing over $130,000 worth of illegal products.
2. Czech Republic: The Ministry of Health plans to ban e-cigarette sales by 2025 due to a surge in underage consumption.
3. Russia: Starting September, new tobacco substitute regulations may cause e-cigarette prices to rise fivefold.
4. Canada: The Convenience Store Association urges that e-cigarette sales should require a food-grade liquor license.
5. Australia: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) investigates a Chinese logistics company, Huawell Trade Export Shipping, for illegal vape product activities.
6. Australia (South Australia): A new proposal aims to crack down on illegal e-cigarettes and could ban nicotine pouch products.
7. Philippines: Customs officials in Manila and Laguna seized nearly $340,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes.
8. Kyrgyzstan: President Sadyr Japarov returned a vape amendment to Parliament, requesting clearer penalty guidelines.
9. Thailand: New regulations effective August 21 require retailers to display health warning posters about smoking.
10. Thailand: Customs officials in Morafon Province seized approximately $590,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes.
11. Brazil: Federal and state police intercepted $2 million worth of smuggled e-cigarettes and tobacco essences at the Setecadas International Port.

Detailed Reports:

1. California, USA:
The Pleasanton Police Department (PPD) recently conducted raids on three tobacco shops, confiscating over $130,000 worth of illegal tobacco products. The seized items included flavored tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other banned products. Notable brands among the confiscated items were “GEEK BAR” and “FLUM.” Learn more

2. Czech Republic:
The Czech Ministry of Health has proposed banning e-cigarette sales starting in 2025 to curb the growing number of young users. Critics argue that the ban could lead to an increase in the black market for e-cigarettes and a rise in traditional tobacco use. Learn more

3. Russia:
As of September, Russia will implement new regulations on tobacco substitutes, including e-cigarettes, cartridges, hookah mixes (even those without tobacco), and vape liquids. The regulations are expected to significantly raise prices, with some products seeing a four- to fivefold increase. The new rules will set a minimum retail price, which could lead to a decrease in the use of alternative smoking products. Learn more

4. Canada:
The Canadian Convenience Store Association (CICC) has called on the Quebec government to require that e-cigarette sales be conducted only by stores holding a food-grade liquor license. This measure is intended to prevent shops from circumventing e-cigarette flavor sales regulations. Learn more

5. Australia (TGA Investigation):
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is investigating a Chinese logistics company, Huawell Trade Export Shipping, for allegedly offering illegal e-cigarette products through Meta advertisements. The company claimed it could provide these products by the kilogram (at AUD 34.50 per kg) and deliver them directly to customers' doors. The TGA has stated it will collaborate with other authorities, including the Federal Department of Health and Aged Care, to further investigate Huawell's activities, which may involve illegal importation, advertising, and distribution of e-cigarettes in Australia. Learn more

6. Australia (South Australia):
The South Australian government has introduced new legislation to Parliament aimed at imposing the country’s toughest penalties on the sale of illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat the illicit tobacco and e-cigarette market and protect children from related crimes. Learn more

7. Philippines:
The Philippine Bureau of Customs conducted raids on two warehouses in Manila and Laguna, seizing nearly $340,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes. Learn more

8. Kyrgyzstan:
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has returned a vape amendment to Parliament due to unclear penalty standards. The amendment, which seeks to increase penalties for illegal e-cigarette imports, will be reconsidered with a focus on providing clearer guidelines. Learn more

9. Thailand:
As of August 21, new regulations in Thailand require retailers to display warning posters about the dangers of smoking at points of sale. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to 5,000 baht (approximately $147). This measure aims to reduce the number of new smokers, particularly among minors. Learn more

10. Thailand (Customs Seizure):
Thai customs officials in Morafon Province intercepted a shipment of illegal e-cigarettes valued at approximately $590,000. Learn more

11. Brazil:
At the Setecadas International Port, Brazilian federal and state police seized $2 million worth of smuggled e-cigarettes and tobacco flavorings. Learn more