Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 25 & 26
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 25 and 26 Highlights:
Argentina
IQOS Heading to Argentina by End-2026
Philip Morris International plans to launch IQOS in Argentina before the end of 2026, following the government’s decision to lift restrictions and introduce a regulated framework for alternative nicotine products, targeting an estimated 7 million adult smokers.
South Korea
South Korea Brings Synthetic Nicotine Under Tobacco Rules
South Korea has begun enforcing revised tobacco laws classifying all nicotine products, including synthetic e-cigarettes, as tobacco. The rules tighten controls on use, sales, advertising and vending machines, with fines for violations and stronger youth protections.
Scotland
Scotland to Remove Business Rates Relief for Vape Shops From 2027
Scotland plans to remove business rates relief for vape shops from April 2027, aiming to align tax policy with public health commitments and high-street contribution rules. The impact on convenience stores selling vaping products remains unclear, with key questions over how vape shops will be defined and whether mixed retailers will also be affected.
South Africa
South Africa Advances Bill to Ban Indoor Smoking and Vaping
South Africa has advanced the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, moving toward a nationwide ban on indoor smoking and vaping. The proposed law would also ban advertising, remove product displays, tighten sales controls, and introduce heavy penalties, with further parliamentary debate still underway.
USA
USFDA Reports Major Impact From Youth E-Cigarette Prevention Campaign
U.S. Food and Drug Administration said its “The Real Cost” campaign prevented about 444,000 youth from initiating e-cigarette use and reduced illegal vape sales worth over $42 million between 2023 and 2024. The agency also highlighted strong ad reach and effectiveness, while indicating a potential expansion of harm-reduction messaging alongside ongoing youth prevention efforts.
Moldova
Moldova Aligns New Smoking Ban with EU Standards
Moldova has expanded its smoking ban from 24 June 2026, covering cigarettes, heated tobacco, e-cigarettes and hookahs in more public and residential spaces. It also introduces stricter penalties and bans oral nicotine pouches to align tobacco-control rules with EU standards.
Germany
Germany Finalises Steep Tobacco Tax Hikes Through 2030
Germany plans gradual tobacco tax increases through 2030, significantly raising cigarette prices as part of fiscal consolidation and public health policy. The reform aims to reduce smoking rates while generating billions in additional tax revenue over the coming years.
Belarus
Belarus Moves to Ban Vape and E-Cigarette Advertising
Belarus has introduced a bill to ban advertising of e-cigarettes and tobacco-heating devices, expanding its tobacco-control framework. The proposal also adds stricter licensing, expanded smoke-free zones, and tougher penalties for underage access and proxy purchasing.
EU
European Parliament Rejects EU Tobacco Tax Reform Report
The European Parliament has rejected a key report on revising the EU Tobacco Taxation Directive, blocking agreement on proposed higher excise duties and wider taxation of next-generation nicotine products. The vote highlights political divisions over taxing e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches, leaving the broader EU reform process uncertain and likely delayed.