Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | Weeks 41 & 42
Alchem NicSelect™ Nicotine Whispers
Welcome to Nicotine Whispers – a biweekly news digest on global developments in nicotine and tobacco, compiled by Alchem NicSelect™ in collaboration with PharmaCompass.
Stay informed on the latest regulations, market trends, and insights shaping the NGND industry.
Weeks 41 and 42 highlights:
UK
BAT Warns EU Tax Hikes Could Boost Illicit Trade Like in Australia
BAT’s Chief Commercial Officer cautioned that steep EU tax increases on tobacco and nicotine products could fuel illicit markets, urging policymakers to keep smokeless alternatives affordable to prevent a repeat of Australia’s experience.
France
France Plans New Taxes on E-Liquids, Industry Warns of Job Losses
France intends to introduce a tax of €0.30–€0.50 per 10ml of e-liquid, a move the vape industry says could threaten 20,000 jobs and drive consumers toward unregulated online markets.
Germany
Germany’s Bundesrat Pushes for Disposable Vape Ban
Germany’s Bundesrat is calling for a national ban on single-use disposable e-cigarettes, citing environmental risks, lost raw materials, and fire hazards. The federal government opposes an immediate ban, instead focusing on improved recycling responsibilities for manufacturers.
Germany
EPO Invalidates Philip Morris Heated Tobacco Patent After Imperial Brands Challenge
The European Patent Office has revoked Philip Morris’s heated tobacco patent following a challenge from Imperial Brands’ subsidiary Fontem Ventures, ruling the technology lacked inventiveness compared to prior U.S. patents.
Belgium
Correcting Nicotine Misperceptions Takes Coordinated Action
At GTNF 2025 in Brussels, experts agreed that misinformation about nicotine remains a major barrier to harm reduction. They called for coordinated efforts across science, healthcare, regulation, and media to shift public attitudes and enable informed choices.
Malaysia
Malaysia Health Ministry Moves Towards Total Vape Ban
Malaysia is preparing to propose a full ban on e-cigarettes and vapes, citing rising healthcare costs that surpass tax revenues. The plan will be implemented in stages, alongside strict enforcement and anti-smuggling measures.
New Zealand
Health NZ Expands Vape Kit Programme for Smokers
Health New Zealand is set to purchase thousands more vape kits to help individuals quit smoking, building on a pilot programme that has already supported over 4,300 people. The initiative positions vaping as a regulated, complementary tool alongside traditional nicotine replacement therapies.
EU
EU Commission Plans Radical Crackdown on Nicotine Pouches
A leaked proposal reveals the EU Commission is preparing to push for a total ban on nicotine pouches and flavours at COP11, sparking concerns that such measures could reverse Europe’s progress in smoking reduction and harm public health.