Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 35 & 36
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 35 and 36 Highlights:
Sweden
New Research Examines Nicotine Pouches’ Impact on Gum Health
A Karolinska Institutet study of 272 young adults found oral mucosal reactions in 79% of nicotine pouch users, compared with 89% among traditional snus users. While traditional snus was mainly associated with mucosal thickening, nicotine pouches showed more variable inflammatory reactions, including redness and sores.
UK
UKVIA Launches “Enough is Enough” Campaign
UKVIA calls for proportionate vaping rules while opposing stricter measures on flavours, packaging, advertising and taxation.
Hungary
Hungary Emerges as Key Hub for Illegal Cigarette Production
Hungary is becoming an important production and transit hub for illicit cigarettes in Europe, with sophisticated clandestine factories supplying Western markets. The trend highlights the scale of Europe’s illicit tobacco trade, with 41.8 billion illegal cigarettes consumed in the EU in 2025, according to KPMG.
USA
Trump Appoints Political Ally as CDC Tobacco Adviser
Pastor Darrell Scott has been appointed Tobacco Health Adviser at the CDC, despite limited publicly specified tobacco-control or public-health credentials. The appointment comes as the US administration reshapes federal tobacco policy, including a greater focus on harm reduction and alternative nicotine products.
EU
Swedish Election Could Delay EU Tobacco Tax Deal
Sweden’s post-election coalition talks may slow negotiations on the EU Tobacco Excise Directive, particularly over taxation of nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine products. With Ireland targeting an agreement in October, political uncertainty in Sweden could affect a key ECOFIN vote and the future EU taxation framework.
UK
Nicotine Vapes Show Higher Quit Rates
A Cochrane review of 80 trials found nicotine e-cigarettes more effective for quitting smoking than patches, gum or behavioural support alone. Long-term safety data remain limited, but regulated nicotine vapes showed higher six-month cessation rates.
Germany
Germany Plans Steeper Tobacco Tax Increases
Germany’s coalition parties are proposing higher tobacco excise increases, with cigarette tax reaching €0.3819 per cigarette by 2030. The measures could generate €4.4 billion in additional annual revenue by 2030, while the tobacco industry warns of disproportionate economic impacts.
USA
FDA Authorises New JUUL2 Products
The FDA has authorised the JUUL2 device and tobacco- and menthol-flavoured pods, citing evidence that adult smokers switched completely from cigarettes. The decision brings the total number of FDA-authorised vaping products to 48, amid continued expansion of the US regulated nicotine market.
USA
PMI and Altria Agree on Manufacturing Collaboration
PMI will manufacture combustible cigarettes for Philip Morris USA under a contract manufacturing agreement, with first shipments expected in early 2027. The collaboration aims to improve manufacturing efficiency while both companies retain separate commercial and regulatory operations.
Lithuania
Lithuania’s Flavour Ban Pushes 90% of Vape Market Underground
Since Lithuania’s 2022 flavoured e-liquid ban, an estimated 90% of the vaping market has shifted to illicit channels, despite fines of up to €8,000 for retailers. Public health advocates warn that the restrictions may also undermine smoking cessation by limiting access to flavours preferred by adult smokers.
EU
EU Trade Department Under Scrutiny Over Tobacco Industry Contacts
The European Ombudswoman has opened an inquiry into DG TRADE’s interactions with the tobacco industry, focusing on their necessity and transparency. The investigation follows concerns over compliance with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, but no finding of maladministration has been made yet.
USA
FDA Authorizes 11 Additional ZYN Pouches
The FDA has authorised 11 ZYN Ultra nicotine pouches, including 9 mg and 11 mg varieties across multiple flavours. The approvals bring the total number of FDA-authorised nicotine pouch products to 43.