Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 11 & 12
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 10 and 11 Highlights:
Russia
Russia to Introduce Vape Product Licensing Amid Counterfeit Concerns
Russia plans new regulations to license vape products, aiming to curb counterfeit items and enforce accurate nicotine labelling. The measures will include standardized packaging, health warnings, youth protection rules, and stricter controls on online sales.
South Korea
South Korea Closes Synthetic Nicotine Loophole to Protect Youth
Starting April 24, synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes will be regulated like tobacco, with online sales banned and strict flavour restrictions.
China
Tax Veteran Appointed to Lead China’s Tobacco Regulator
Yao Laiying, a senior fiscal and taxation official, takes the top internal role at STMA, drawing attention to potential debates on tax, monopoly structure, and emerging tobacco product policy. His appointment highlights fiscal oversight and governance in China’s state-run tobacco system.
Spain
Spain’s Nicotine Pouch Sales Reach 5 Million Cans in 2025, Forecasts 8 Million in 2026
Spanish nicotine pouch sales hit 5 million cans last year, with 20–30 brands on the market, and are expected to rise 60% to 8 million in 2026. The industry warns that proposed nicotine limits could effectively ban the category and calls for risk-proportionate regulation.
France
France’s ANSES Confirms Vaping Far Safer Than Smoking
French health agency finds e-cigarettes drastically reduce toxic exposure compared to cigarettes. Despite the science, policymakers continue bans on disposables and nicotine pouches.
Belarus
Belarus Rules Out Full Vape Ban Over Supply Risks from Russia
A Belarus Interior Ministry official stated that a complete ban on vapes is not advisable due to high risks of illegal imports from Russia. The ministry cited border control limitations and potential enforcement challenges as reasons to avoid a total prohibition.
Bulgaria
EU Approves Bulgaria’s Ban on Disposable Vapes
The European Commission has approved Bulgaria’s law banning the sale and distribution of disposable e-cigarettes, citing youth vaping and public health risks. Retailers have a three-month phase-out period, with the option to export remaining stock.
USA
U.S. Adult Smoking Falls to Historic Low of 9.9%
For the first time, less than 10% of American adults smoke cigarettes, moving closer to the Healthy People 2030 goal of 6.1%. While cigarette use declines, e-cigarette and other tobacco product use remains steady, especially among young adults.
Germany
Illegal Trade in Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Rising in Germany
BVTE and BDZ warn that black-market sales of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches are growing, with up to 40% of e-cigarettes already illegal. They call for enforceable regulations to protect consumers, youth, and state revenue, estimating annual losses of around USD 116 million.
Poland
Poland Moves to Ban Disposable Vapes and Limit Nicotine Pouches
The government approves a draft law banning all single-use e-cigarettes and restricting nicotine pouches to tobacco flavours. New rules also classify emerging recreational nicotine products as pharmaceuticals, requiring strict medical approval.
Panama
Panama Moves to Consolidate Vape Regulations
Panama is combining three bills into a single framework to regulate e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and heated tobacco products. The unified rules will cover use, marketing, safety, taxation, and traceability, with a focus on protecting minors and ensuring effective enforcement.
USA
FDA Opens Door to More Adult-Friendly Vape Flavors
The agency proposes approving mint, coffee, tea, and spice flavours for adults while keeping fruit and candy flavours banned to protect youth. Major tobacco firms are pivoting toward oral nicotine pouches as a “smoke-free” alternative amid shifting regulations.
USA
Growing Tomorrow: Reynolds American to Invest USD 3.2 B by 2030
Reynolds American commits over USD 3.2 billion to U.S. operations by 2030, supporting 2,000+ jobs and modernising manufacturing. The “Growing Tomorrow” initiative focuses on innovation, smokeless product expansion, and workforce development.