Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | Weeks 45 & 46
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 45 and 46 highlights:
Russia
Russia to introduce licensing for all tobacco and vape sales
A new bill would require licenses for every stage of tobacco and vape trading to curb illicit products and tighten market control. Licensing begins in March 2026, with unlicensed sales banned from September 2026.
Morocco
Morocco blocks vape tax hike over smuggling risks
Morocco’s government rejected a proposed e-cigarette tax increase for 2026, citing concerns it would boost illicit trade. The decision contrasts with opposition calls for higher taxes to curb youth vaping and protect public health.
USA
$200M U.S. bill targets illicit Chinese vapes
A Senate-approved $200 million measure aims to block illegal Chinese-made vapes entering the U.S., citing risks to youth and national security. Enforcement will target shipments disguised as other goods and strengthen border controls.
Belarus
Belarus plans 20% tax hike on vaping and nicotine products
Belarus proposes raising excise taxes on vapes, nicotine products, and heated tobacco by 20% in 2026, aligning them closer to cigarette rates. A public consultation rejected broader smoking bans and production prohibitions.
Belgium
Experts say EU can reach smoke-free goal only by embracing innovation
At a Brussels event, experts warned the EU will miss its 2040 smoke-free target without adopting harm-reduction tools like vapes, pouches, and heated tobacco. Sweden’s success shows that accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of safer alternatives drive major drops in smoking.
Israel
Israel proposes new e-cigarette tax reform
Israel’s Finance Ministry has outlined a tax and licensing overhaul for vaping products, expected to generate NIS 500 million annually. The plan includes new excise taxes, mandatory registration, and tighter oversight across the supply chain.
Germany
Germany considers ban on disposable vapes
The Bundestag has requested a legal review to potentially ban single-use e-cigarettes over environmental and safety concerns. The move follows similar EU bans and aims to reduce electronic waste and recover valuable materials.
Ireland
Ireland considers ban on nicotine pouches
The Department of Health is reviewing a ban on nicotine pouches amid rising use among young adults. Schools report increasing use, and legislation aims to curb accessibility and appeal, following trends in other EU countries.
USA
Turning Point Brands posts record Q3 2025
Q3 net sales rose 31.2% to $119M, led by a 627.6% surge in Modern Oral products. Adjusted EBITDA and net income grew strongly, prompting the company to raise full-year guidance.
UK
Vaping surpasses smoking in Britain for the first time
ONS data shows 10% of UK adults now vape, overtaking the 9.1% who smoke cigarettes. The government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to support adult smokers while restricting youth access and appealing flavours.
USA
PMI to restructure organization in 2026
Philip Morris will reorganize into PMI International, PMI U.S., and wellness unit Aspeya, with three new reportable segments starting Q1 2026. The move aims to accelerate growth in smoke-free products, now 41% of revenues.
Spain
Spain proposes phased tax on nicotine pouches through 2030
PSOE proposes phasing in the €0.10/g tax on nicotine pouches by 2030. The move adds pressure to ongoing EU disputes over Spain’s restrictive draft rules.
Sweden
Haypp posts Q3 2025 results amid U.S. expansion
Q3 net sales rose slightly to SEK 952.1M, driven by 21% LFL growth in nicotine pouches. The company highlighted ZYN’s return to the U.S., strong vaping and HnB performance, and ongoing e-commerce upgrades as growth drivers.