Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 27 & 28
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 27 and 28 Highlights:
EU
EU Tobacco Rules Face Pushback in Public Consultation
The European Commission’s consultation on revising the Tobacco Products Directive received over 82,000 responses, with an analysis claiming more than 90% raised objections to the proposed regulatory approach, highlighting deep divisions over the future of EU tobacco and nicotine policy.
UK
UK Opens Consultation on Stricter Vape Packaging and Display Rules
The UK has launched a 12-week consultation proposing plain vape packaging, limited device designs, simplified flavour names and restrictions on retail displays to reduce youth appeal. The measures aim to balance youth protection with adult access to vaping as a smoking cessation tool.
Ireland
Ireland Passes Ban on Disposable Vapes and Tightens Nicotine Rules
Ireland has approved legislation banning disposable vapes, with enforcement expected after a six-month transition period for retailers. The new rules also restrict vape flavours to tobacco only and ban sales of nicotine products, including pouches, to under-18s.
New Zealand
New Zealand Smoking Rate Falls to Historic Low
New Zealand’s adult smoking prevalence has dropped below 7%, with researchers linking the accelerated decline since 2018 partly to vaping uptake and harm-reduction approaches. The study highlights the role of risk-proportionate nicotine regulation in continuing progress against smoking.
Austria
Austria Bans Disposable Vapes and Tightens Nicotine Product Rules
Austria has approved a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, regardless of nicotine content, alongside stricter rules for nicotine pouches and other novel nicotine products. The legislation introduces new limits, labelling, sales and advertising restrictions, as well as anti-littering measures to protect youth and public health.
Argentina
Argentina Updates Health Warning Rules for Nicotine Products
Argentina has introduced new health warning requirements for cigarettes and alternative nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches, with updated packaging and labelling rules under Resolution 796/2026. Manufacturers and importers have 180 days to comply.
USA
New York Debates “Tobacco-Free Generation” Ban
New York lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban tobacco and nicotine sales to anyone born after 31 December 2007, creating a future tobacco-free generation. The proposal faces opposition from retailers and industry groups concerned about enforcement, adult access and potential growth of illicit markets.
Scotland
Scotland Considers 15-Metre Vape-Free Zones Around Schools
Scotland is considering extending smoke and vape-free zones to 15 metres around schools, nurseries and playgrounds under new powers from the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. The proposal aims to reduce youth vaping, with further restrictions subject to evidence review and public consultation.
Russia
Russia Introduces Licensing Rules for Tobacco and Vape Sales
Russia has introduced mandatory licensing for wholesale and retail sales of tobacco and nicotine products to improve traceability and combat illicit trade. The law also allows regions to pilot vape sales bans from 2027 and introduces penalties for large-scale unlicensed sales.
USA
FDA Grants MRTP Orders for 20 ZYN Nicotine Pouches
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products to use a specific modified-risk claim stating that switching from cigarettes lowers the risk of several smoking-related diseases. The five-year orders apply to products already authorized through PMTA and require ongoing post market surveillance.