Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | Weeks 27 & 28
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 27 and 28 highlights:
Switzerland
Alchem NicSelect™: Powering the Future of Nicotine with Novel Technologies
With demand for nicotine set to nearly double by 2032, Alchem NicSelect™ leads with advanced technologies—NOTES©, T-MAX™, and Pouch’ology—ensuring unmatched quality, consistency, and compliance in next-generation nicotine products.
Albania
PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i in Albania
Philip Morris International introduces its bladeless SMARTCORE INDUCTION™-powered heated tobacco device in Albania, offering personalised use with features like pause mode and FlexPuff technology.
Austria
Austria Bans Flavours in Heated Tobacco, E-Cigs Exempt
Austria has approved a ban on flavours in heated tobacco products as part of EU directive implementation, while e-cigarettes remain unaffected, for now.
UK
UK’s Wolverhampton Extends Free Vape Quit Program
After helping 135 smokers quit, Wolverhampton’s “Swap to Stop” initiative—offering free vape kits and behavioural support—will run for another year to combat smoking.
France
France Sets First Standard for Nicotine Pouches
New French Standardization Association (AFNOR) standard mandates strict rules on ingredients, manufacturing, and labelling to ensure quality and safety, aligning with practices from the UK and Sweden.
Russia
Russia to Launch Pilot Labeling for E-Cigarettes
Starting July 2025, Russia will test voluntary labeling of reusable vaping devices to improve market transparency and fight counterfeits.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic to Ban Candy-Flavoured Vapes
New regulations will outlaw sweet flavours like cotton candy and marshmallow to curb youth vaping, while fruit and mint flavours will remain legal.
Canada
Québec’s Flavour Ban Spurs Illicit Vaping Market
A new survey shows 76% of Québec vapers bought illegal products in the past year, despite the province’s flavour ban—highlighting growing concerns over public health and enforcement gaps.
USA
US States Tighten Vape & Tobacco Laws in June 2025
Tax hikes, flavour bans, and new nicotine pouch rules dominate June legislation, with major actions in California, Delaware, Indiana, and more.
Guatemala
PMI Launches ZYN Nicotine Pouches in Guatemala, First Entry into Central America
Philip Morris International introduces its top nicotine pouch brand ZYN to Guatemala, offering a lower-risk alternative to smoking. This marks PMI’s debut in the Central American market.