Vape Legal and Regulatory Weekly Report - September 29, 2024

Key Highlights:

1. BAT Calls for Stricter Crackdown on Illegal Vapes and Retailer Licensing in the UK
2. Italy Blocks 876 Illegal Vape Websites and Bans Vape Promotion
3. New Zealand to Enforce New Vape Regulations in October: Removable Batteries and Child Safety Features Mandatory
4. Three Months After Australia's Vape Ban, Illegal Sales Persist; Government Threatens Prosecution
5. Western Australia to Ban Prescription-Free Vape Sales at Pharmacies
6. Thai Customs Seizes Nearly 400,000 Illegal Vapes, Expands Investigation
7. Malaysian Vape Industry Protests New Rules: E-Liquid Capacity Limits May Lead to Product Withdrawals

Detailed Reports:

BAT Urges UK Government to Tackle Illegal Vapes and Implement Retailer Licensing:

British American Tobacco (BAT) has called on the UK government to intensify efforts to curb the illegal vape market and introduce a licensing system for vape retailers. BAT's CEO emphasized that more stringent regulations are necessary to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in the industry.
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Italy Blocks 876 Illegal Vape Websites and Bans Promotional Activities:

Italy's customs authority has blocked 876 websites selling illegal e-cigarettes and set a deadline for compliance by October 2. Additionally, a court in Turin ruled that the promotion of e-cigarette products is prohibited, with non-compliance resulting in further website shutdowns.
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New Zealand Introduces New Vape Regulations Effective October 1:

The New Zealand Ministry of Health announced that starting October 1, 2024, all vape devices must feature removable batteries and child safety mechanisms. Violators will face hefty fines. The new regulations also include restrictions on packaging designs and flavor naming conventions to better protect consumers, especially minors.
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Australia's Vape Ban Faces Challenges as Illegal Sales Continue:

Despite Australia's nationwide ban on non-therapeutic e-cigarette sales introduced in July, illegal vape sales remain widespread. Health Minister Mark Butler warned that the government would pursue legal action against retailers and convenience stores continuing to sell illicit vape products.
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Western Australia Set to Ban Over-the-Counter Vape Sales Without Prescription:

Western Australia's Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson announced plans to override federal laws by banning pharmacies from selling e-cigarettes without a prescription. This move is part of the state's efforts to address concerns about children's access to vaping products.
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Thai Customs Seizes Nearly 400,000 Illegal Vapes, Expands Investigation:

Thai customs officials recently seized nearly 400,000 illegal e-cigarettes and plan to extend their investigation to track down the warehouses involved in the illegal distribution.
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Malaysian Vape Industry Pushes Back Against New E-Liquid Capacity Rules:

Five major Malaysian vape industry associations are urging the government to reconsider upcoming regulations that impose restrictions on e-liquid capacities, which could result in a significant number of products being pulled from shelves. The new rules include banning retail display of vape products, capping disposable and refillable pod capacities at 3mL, and limiting bottled e-liquids to 15mL. The industry leaders argue that these regulations will severely disrupt the market, and they are asking for a delay in the law's implementation to allow more time for transition.
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