Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 37 & 38
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 37 and 38 Highlights:
South Korea
South Korea’s Nicotine Market Shifts After New Tobacco Rules
South Korea imported 12,126 kg of nicotine analogues from April to August, while synthetic nicotine imports fell sharply after new tobacco rules took effect in April. Physical vape stores declined 9.9%, while online listings increased, and authorities detected nicotine or 6-methylnicotine in 25 of 105 products marketed as nicotine-free.
EU
EU Considers New Vape Taxes to Fund 2028–2034 Budget
The EU is exploring new taxes on e-cigarettes as a potential source of revenue for its 2028–2034 budget. Ireland is expected to present a consolidated negotiation package in October, with EU leaders aiming for an agreement by year-end.
USA
FDA Authorises Vapes and Nicotine Pouches Under Harm Reduction Approach
The FDA has authorised selected vaping products and tobacco-free nicotine pouches following scientific review, with age-verification and marketing controls. The article highlights declining youth e-cigarette use alongside continued efforts to target illicit nicotine products.
USA
Arizona Considers 50% Retail Tax on Vaping Products
Arizona’s First Things First is proposing a 50% retail tax on vaping products, estimating it could generate around $100 million annually as tobacco-tax revenue has fallen 47% since 2008. The proposal has not been enacted, while Arizona has separately introduced a new licensing and sales framework for alternative nicotine products.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong to Introduce Plain Cigarette Packaging from 2027
Hong Kong will require plain brown packaging for cigarettes and certain cigars from 1 March 2027, removing logos and promotional branding. Full enforcement will begin in December 2027, alongside updated health warnings and anti-counterfeiting labelling.
Russia
Russia’s Vape Device Labelling Enters Mandatory Phase
Registration with Chestny ZNAK began on 1 September 2026 for reusable vaping devices. Mandatory digital coding for newly manufactured and imported devices starts on 1 December.
Belgium
Regulatory Readiness Key to Nicotine Supply Chain Resilience
GTNF 2026 speakers highlighted regulation as a growing supply-chain risk, urging suppliers to anticipate changes and build flexible contingency plans. They also stressed traceability, alternative sourcing and early supplier involvement in product development.
Sweden
Imperial Brands Acquires Yoik Group
Imperial Brands will acquire Yoik Group, owner of nicotine pouch brand Helwit, for SEK 515 million plus a performance-linked payment. The deal is expected to more than double Imperial’s share of Sweden’s modern oral nicotine market.
EU
EU Loses €13 Billion Annually to Illicit Tobacco Trade
The European Court of Auditors estimates illicit tobacco trade costs EU and national budgets around €13 billion each year. A new report highlights fragmented enforcement, growing illegal production within the EU and gaps in cross-border intelligence sharing.
France
Le Pen Calls for French Tobacco Tax Freeze
French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has called for a freeze on tobacco taxes and inflation indexation, citing concerns over illicit trade and cross-border purchases. Her intervention comes as EU countries negotiate revisions to the Tobacco Excise Directive, including higher taxes on tobacco and nicotine products.