Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 15 & 16
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 15 and 16 Highlights:
USA
White House Pushes Flavoured Vape Approvals as FDA Chief Blocks Plan
The White House is pushing to approve more flavoured vape products, but FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has blocked the move despite internal scientific support. The disagreement centres on whether flavours should be authorised for adult smoking cessation.
France
France Moves to Extend Plain Packaging Rules to Vapes
French lawmakers have proposed extending cigarette-style plain packaging rules to all vaping products, including nicotine-free devices. The bill aims to reduce youth appeal by removing branding, colours and marketing cues seen as attractive to minors.
China
China Launches Standards Process for Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches
China has started mandatory national standards work for heated cigarettes and nicotine pouches, formalising future regulation of both categories. The move signals regulatory progress but does not indicate near-term market launch.
Spain
Spain Moves to Restrict Vape and Nicotine Pouch Sales to Licensed Channels
Spain plans to limit sales of vapes and nicotine pouches to authorised tobacconists, aiming to curb youth access and unregulated distribution.
UK
UK to Raise Vape and Tobacco Prices Under New Duty Rules
The UK will introduce a flat £2.20 per 10ml vape duty and a one-off tobacco tax rise from October 2026. The move aims to curb youth use while keeping vaping a cheaper alternative to smoking.
Poland
Poland Proposes 40 PLN Excise Tax on Induction E-Cigarettes
Poland plans to impose a 40 PLN excise duty on induction-based e-cigarettes, closing a loophole that allowed lower taxation. The proposal redefines e-cigarettes to include devices using ferromagnetic elements, bringing them in line with standard vape taxation.
Italy
Italy Challenges Ireland’s Disposable Vape Ban at EU Level
Italy has asked the European Commission to block Ireland’s disposable vape ban, arguing it breaches EU free trade rules. The dispute highlights tensions between public health measures and single market laws, potentially delaying the legislation.
Ukraine
PMI to Invest $10m in ZYN Nicotine Pouch Expansion in Ukraine
Philip Morris International will invest $10 million in 2026 to expand its ZYN nicotine pouch portfolio and infrastructure in Ukraine. The move follows strong category growth, with PMI targeting rising demand for smoke-free alternatives among adult consumers.
South Korea
KT&G Advances Oral Nicotine Development with Pilot Production Line
KT&G is developing a smokeless oral nicotine product and preparing a pilot production line, marking its first related facility in South Korea. The project remains at an early stage, with commercial launch dependent on regulatory developments.