Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 19 & 20
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 19 and 20 Highlights:
Russia
Russia Advances Regional Vape Ban Experiment from 2027
Russia’s State Duma has approved amendments allowing regions to ban vape retail sales between 2027 and 2032 as part of a five-year regulatory experiment. The move is tied to broader tobacco licensing reforms, with federal authorities set to assess the economic and social impact before considering a nationwide vape ban.
Poland
Poland Plans Higher Vape and E-Liquid Taxes
Poland has proposed raising excise taxes on vape devices from 40 PLN to 50 PLN and on e-liquids from 0.96 PLN/ml to 2.20 PLN/ml. The draft law also targets separately sold vape components to close existing tax loopholes.
USA
FDA Commissioner Makary Resigns Amid Regulatory and Political Pressure
Marty Makary has stepped down as US FDA Commissioner after more than a year marked by internal conflict and political pressure. The White House has named an acting replacement while it prepares to nominate a permanent successor.
Italy
Italy Plans Steady Tobacco and Vape Tax Hikes to 2028
Italy will gradually increase taxes on cigarettes, vapes, and heated tobacco through 2028.
The government says the plan aims to curb smoking and rising youth vaping rates.
Finland
Finland’s Kokoomus Proposes Generational Tobacco Ban
Finland’s National Coalition Party has proposed banning tobacco sales to anyone born from 2015 onward as part of a long-term “smoke-free generation” plan. The policy will be voted on at the party congress in June and could take effect from 2030 if adopted.
USA
FDA Clarifies PMTA Enforcement Approach for Nicotine Products
The FDA issued updated guidance stating it will not prioritize enforcement against certain ENDS and nicotine pouch products with complete premarket applications under review.
The agency says it will focus on higher-risk products, especially those appealing to youth, while improving transparency on which applications are pending.
Canada
Canada Still Undecided on National Flavour Ban Five Years After Promise
Five years after pledging to restrict vape flavours, Canada has yet to confirm if or when a national ban will proceed despite rising youth vaping rates.
Uzbekistan
BAT Expands Production and Investment in Uzbekistan
British American Tobacco said it has invested $530 million in Uzbekistan, created over 1,000 jobs and plans further production expansion. The company and authorities also highlighted a sharp decline in illicit tobacco trade.
UK
UK Disposable Vape Ban Drives Shift in Buying Habits as Vape Volumes Fall
UK vape sales volumes fell 10.3% in Q1 2026 following the disposable vape ban, according to Talysis data. The ban is pushing consumers toward reusable and oral nicotine products, while retailers face lower turnover and footfall.
Japan
Japan Tobacco Q1 2026 Revenue Rises 15.2% as RRP Sales Surge 63.8%
Japan Tobacco reported Q1 2026 revenue of JPY 924 billion (USD 5.9 billion), with operating profit up 24.7% year over year. Reduced-risk product revenue jumped 63.8%, driven by strong growth of Ploom heated tobacco products and expanding global market presence.
Argentina
Tobacco Reporter
Argentina Legalizes Nicotine Products Under New Regulatory Framework
Argentina has replaced its previous ban with a new system allowing vapes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches under strict regulation. The rules include product registration, traceability, nicotine limits, and a ban on vape flavourings to control youth use and illicit sales.