Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | Weeks 35 & 36
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 35 and 36 highlights:
France
France to Ban Nicotine Pouches, Pellets, and Chewing Gum by 2026
Starting March 2026, France will prohibit various oral nicotine products to protect youth from poisoning and addiction. The move is supported by public health authorities and anti-tobacco groups.
Poland
Polish Vapers Petition Against “Double Excise” Tax on Devices and E-Liquids
Consumers criticize Poland’s new law taxing both vaping devices and e-liquids, warning it may drive users back to cigarettes or the black market. An online petition demands the repeal of the prohibitive “double taxation”.
Spain
Can Spain “Quit Like Sweden” to Cut Smoking Rates?
Experts at the “Quit Like Sweden” forum in Madrid discussed adopting Sweden’s harm reduction approach, emphasizing vaping, snus, and nicotine pouches. Spain could potentially lower its smoking rate from 25.8% toward Sweden’s 5.3% by providing effective, accessible alternatives.
USA
Texas Vape Ban Takes Effect, Targeting Disposables
A sweeping new law bans most disposable vapes in Texas, including those with cannabinoids and candy-like packaging. Open-system and U.S.-filled refillable devices remain legal under the crackdown.
Switzerland
JTI Launches Ploom AURA Globally, Starting with Switzerland
JTI introduced Ploom AURA, its latest heated tobacco innovation, in Switzerland after a successful debut in Japan. Featuring SMART HEATFLOW™ technology and customizable heating modes, the device marks a key step in JTI’s global RRP strategy.
Austria
BAT Austria Names Sven Löhr as New Managing Director
Sven Löhr will lead BAT Austria’s smoke-free strategy, aiming to cut national smoking rates to 5% by 2040. He plans to expand non-combustible products and strengthen partnerships to drive transformation.
USA
FDA Stresses Child-Resistant Packaging for Nicotine Pouches
The FDA urged pouch makers to ensure child-resistant packaging, citing accidental exposures in young children. PMI noted ZYN already meets this standard, in place since its 2014 launch.
USA
PMI Reaffirms 2025 EPS Outlook on IQOS and ZYN Growth at Barclays Forum
At the Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference, Philip Morris projected 13–15% EPS growth in 2025, driven by strong global momentum in IQOS, ZYN, and VEEV. U.S. ZYN sales grew 32% early in Q3, supporting full-year guidance.
Belgium – EU
83 Experts Urge EU to Avoid High Taxes on Safer Nicotine Alternatives
Public health specialists warned the European Commission that taxing e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and pouches like cigarettes would undermine harm reduction. They stressed these products are far less harmful and vital to reducing smoking-related deaths.
Switzerland
Geneva Bans Sale of Disposable E-Cigarettes with Immediate Effect
Geneva’s parliament voted almost unanimously to prohibit disposable vapes, citing youth appeal, health risks, and environmental harm. A nationwide Swiss ban is also in progress.
Indonesia
Singapore Vape Ban Boosts Tourism Prospects for Batam, Indonesia
Batam officials say Singapore’s strict vaping rules may attract visitors seeking looser regulations just a 45-minute ferry away. Past restrictions have historically driven similar cross-border tourism.