Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | Weeks 43 & 44
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 43 and 44 highlights:
Ireland
Ireland Hikes Vape Prices with New E-Liquid Tax
From November 1, a 50c/ml tax on all e-liquids takes effect, doubling refill costs. Experts and shop owners warn it may push adult smokers back to cigarettes or cross-border purchases.
EU
EU Softens Stance on Tobacco and Vaping Ahead of COP11
Brussels circulates a revised, less aggressive FCTC draft, favouring evidence-based regulation of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches while allowing national discretion on flavour bans and youth protections.
UK
Juul Wins UK Court Case Against Chinese Vape Infringers
The UK High Court grants Juul Labs a permanent injunction against four Chinese companies, ordering the destruction of infringing products and marking a major victory in its global IP enforcement campaign.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg Enforces Stricter Tobacco Rules
New legislation brings nicotine pouches under tobacco-style restrictions, banning flavours, limiting nicotine, and tightening advertising and sales to minors to protect public health.
UK
UK Health Leaders Urge Fast-Track for Tobacco and Vapes Bill
Over 1,200 public health experts are calling for swift passage of the UK’s tobacco and vapes bill, which would ban tobacco sales to anyone born after 2008 and tighten e-cigarette rules to protect future generations.
USA
FDA Signals Openness to More Flavoured Vape Approvals
CTP Acting Director Bret Koplow voiced cautious support for authorising more flavoured e-cigarettes, urging faster FDA reviews to advance tobacco harm reduction and curb the unregulated market.
Germany
Germany Urges Ban on Disposable and Flavoured Vapes
Health officials call for swift action to curb youth vaping, saying sweet flavours entice minors and tougher enforcement is needed.
France
France Drops Vaping Tax, Supports Online Sales Ban
France’s Finance Committee rejected a 2026 vaping tax proposal but backed a ban on online vape sales, sparking debate over harm reduction and youth protection.
South Korea
South Korea Grants Partial Tax Exemption on Imported Nicotine
A Seoul court ruled that nicotine liquids derived from tobacco stems, not leaves, are exempt from tobacco taxes — partially overturning a ₩510 million surcharge and highlighting regulatory grey areas in South Korea’s e-liquid market.
Mexico
Mexico Plans Major Tobacco Tax Hike
Mexico’s 2026 budget proposes raising tobacco taxes from 160% to 200%, with per-cigarette quotas doubling by 2030 — a move officials say targets public health, but industry warns could fuel illicit trade and hurt small retailers.