Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | Weeks 33 & 34
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 33 and 34 highlights:
Russia
Putin Supports Regional Vape Bans in Russia
President Putin has backed proposals allowing Russian regions to restrict vape sales, responding to concerns over rising youth use and tighter labelling regulations.
South Korea
South Korea Moves to Regulate Synthetic Nicotine E-Cigs
A proposed amendment to the Tobacco Business Act would expand the definition of tobacco to include synthetic nicotine, closing legal loopholes that have enabled youth access and tax evasion.
Germany
Bavaria to Extend Smoking Bans to E-Cigs, Heated Tobacco, and Hookahs
Bavaria’s CSU plans to revise the Health Protection Act, imposing cigarette-level restrictions on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and hookahs in restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other public places.
USA
Reuters
BAT Reverses Course, Enters US Disposable Vape Market
After years of opposing unlicensed disposables, BAT will test-launch its Vuse One device in the US without FDA approval, a move critics call unlawful but the company says is essential to compete.
Spain
Spain’s Vape and Pouch Ban Plan Faces EU Backlash
Spain’s draft law to ban flavoured e-cigarettes and restrict nicotine pouches has triggered strong opposition from several EU member states, who argue it violates free movement of goods and risks undermining public health goals.
Poland
ECIGATOR
Poland’s Vape Tax Triggers Black Market Surge
Poland’s new “double excise” on e-liquids and devices is already shrinking legal sales and fuelling illicit trade, with experts warning of fiscal losses, consumer risks, and economic harm.
Germany
Tobacco Journal International
NGPs Take Centre Stage at the 45th InterTabac
From 18–20 September, InterTabac 2025 in Dortmund will spotlight the rapid growth of Next Generation Products. Among the highlights, Alchem NicSelect’s Anna Balconi will join a panel on 19 September to discuss the Future of Nicotine Technologies alongside other global industry leaders.
France
BAT France Warns Against High Taxes and Bans on Nicotine Pouches
BAT France welcomes EU recognition of nicotine pouches but cautions that punitive taxation and unilateral bans, like France’s proposal, risk undermining harm reduction, market coherence, and public health goals.
USA
ZYN Nicotine Pouches Approved by FDA in Landmark Decision
The FDA has authorised 20 ZYN products, granting Philip Morris International a major boost in the US market as the brand cements its role as the leading smokeless nicotine alternative.
Panama
Panama Enforces Resolution 146 on Tobacco Products
From August 13, 2025, Panama’s Ministry of Health will regulate the sale, marketing, and use of nicotine and non-nicotine products, banning displays, advertising, and sales to minors to strengthen public health protections.