Select Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 13 & 14
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 13 and 14 Highlights:
Russia
Russian Industry Proposes State Monopoly on E-Liquids to Avoid Vape Ban
Business groups urge authorities to drop proposed vape bans, warning of economic disruption and illegal market growth. As an alternative, they propose a state monopoly on nicotine base production to maintain control and regulation.
EU
EU Reports Decline in Smoking, Signals New Tobacco Rules Ahead
The European Commission finds smoking rates have dropped to 24% since 2012, with fewer tobacco-related deaths. However, it flags e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches as emerging concerns and plans regulatory updates in 2026.
France
France’s Nicotine Pouch Ban Sparks EU Tensions
France has banned all oral nicotine products, including pouches, citing youth safety, while parts of the law on manufacturing and export are suspended by the Conseil d’État. Swedish MEPs warn the ban undermines the EU internal market and call for harmonized rules that respect harm reduction practices.
UK
UK Opens Registration for New Vaping Duty Scheme
HMRC urges businesses to apply for Vaping Products Duty ahead of its October 2026 launch, requiring duty stamps on all vape products. The scheme aims to improve compliance, reduce illicit trade, and support the government’s smoke-free and youth protection goals.
Ireland
Ireland Considers Pharmacy-Only Vape Sales to Curb Youth Use
Irish health officials are exploring an Australia-style model restricting vape sales to pharmacies, amid concerns that one in five 15–16 year olds now vape. A feasibility study will examine the potential impact on youth access and affordability.
Canada
Charlotte’s Web Secures $75M BAT Investment
Charlotte’s Web has restructured finances with British American Tobacco, converting $54M debt to equity and adding a $10M investment. The move eliminates $65M in debt, strengthens liquidity, and supports CBD initiatives including the CMMI Medicare pilot programme.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh Moves to Lift Vape Ban
Bangladesh is set to amend its anti-tobacco ordinance to reverse the ban on e-cigarettes, vapes, and related products. The changes follow parliamentary recommendations and would also relax rules on tobacco product displays at points of sale.
Austria
Austria Tightens Sales Rules for Nicotine Pouches and E-Liquids
From April 2026, nicotine pouches and e-liquids will be restricted to tobacco shops and licensed retailers under stricter regulations. The move aims to control youth access, with full registration required and existing stock phased out by end-2026.
Belgium
Belgium Pushes EU Crackdown on Vaping Rules
Belgium is urging the EU to ban disposable e-cigarettes and tighten limits on vape ingredients, citing rising youth usage. The proposal also includes stricter flavour restrictions, with new EU rules expected later this year.
USA
Arizona Considers New Rules for Vapes and Nicotine Products
Arizona’s HB 4001 proposes a state licensing system for alternative nicotine products, including vapes and pouches, with oversight under liquor regulators. Supporters cite regulatory gaps and harm reduction benefits, while critics warn it could weaken enforcement and leave loopholes.
USA
FDA Tightens Flavoured Vape Rules, Raising PMTA Bar for SMEs
The FDA’s March 2026 draft guidance requires fruit and dessert-flavoured ENDS to prove adult cessation benefits outweigh youth risks, creating steep behavioural and financial hurdles. Independent manufacturers face near-impossible evidentiary demands, effectively consolidating flavoured vape approvals with Big Tobacco.