Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | 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:
Belgium (EU)
EU Aims to Propose Vape and Pouch Tax by Summer, Says Commissioner
Wopke Hoekstra is pushing for steep new taxes on safer nicotine products, despite internal resistance and economic concerns. The proposal could hike pouch prices by 50% and nearly double vape costs.
USA
Teen Use of Nicotine Pouches Rises — Still Safer Than Smoking, Experts Say
Nicotine pouch use among teens nearly doubled in 2024, but public health voices call it a lesser evil compared to smoking or vaping, citing harm reduction benefits.
UK
Japan Tobacco International Acquires UK’s Largest Independent Vape Company
JTI has taken a controlling stake in Flavour Warehouse, a leading UK e-cigarette firm with products in over 80 countries. The move supports JTI’s expansion into reduced-risk products beyond heated tobacco.
Spain
Five EU Countries Oppose Spain’s Nicotine Pouch Bill
Spain’s draft law restricting nicotine pouch content and labelling faces criticism from five EU members for potentially violating free trade rules. The European Commission also warns of ambiguous definitions that could complicate enforcement.
Italy
Vapes and HTPs Show No Added Lung Harm in Former Smokers
An Italian study found that ex-smokers using vapes or heated tobacco report lung symptoms similar to never-smokers, supporting harm reduction potential.
Poland
Barcelona’s Beach Vaping Ban Overturned, But New National Restrictions Loom
A court overturned Barcelona’s beach vaping ban, but Spain’s government is pushing for severe restrictions on vapes, nicotine pouches, and flavours, risking harm reduction progress.
UK
UK to Crack Down on Nicotine Pouches Under Smokefree Generation Law
Nicotine pouches will face tighter UK-wide regulation amid concerns over youth access and health risks. The move is part of broader legislation aiming to ban tobacco for future generations.
USA
PMI Launches IQOS Pilot in Florida to Expand U.S. Market Presence
Philip Morris International introduces its IQOS heated tobacco system in Fort Lauderdale. The pilot follows a successful rollout in Austin, Texas, as PMI accelerates its U.S. smoke-free strategy.
Australia
Australian Opposition Proposes Retail E-Cigarette Sales, Sparking Health Debate
The Coalition party vows to legalize retail e-cigarette sales and impose taxes if elected, citing failed bans and rising black market activity. Public health groups warn the move could fuel youth addiction and benefit Big Tobacco.