Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 17 & 18
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 17 and 18 Highlights:
Portugal
Portugal Challenges UK Generational Tobacco Ban Over Post-Brexit Trade Rules
Portugal and several EU countries argue the UK’s proposed generational smoking ban for those born after 2008 may breach post-Brexit agreements and restrict free movement of goods.
UK
UK Tobacco and Vapes Act Becomes Law, Creating Smoke-Free Generation
The UK has enacted a landmark law banning tobacco sales to anyone born after 1 January 2009 and restricting vape marketing and packaging. The measure targets youth nicotine use while maintaining access to vapes for adult smoking cessation.
Switzerland
Geneva Court Overturns Disposable Vape Ban, Cites Federal Authority
The Geneva Court of Justice has annulled the canton’s ban on disposable e-cigarettes, ruling that only federal authorities have the power to regulate such products.
Thailand
Thailand Reaffirms Nicotine Pouches Fall Under Tobacco Control Law
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control confirmed nicotine pouches are regulated as tobacco products and are not harmless. Strict rules include bans on sales to under-20s, online sales, and all forms of advertising and promotion.
Ukraine
Ukraine Proposes Ban on Nicotine Product Use for Under-17s
Ukraine has introduced a bill to ban the use of tobacco, vapes, hookahs and heated tobacco products for those under 17.
South Korea
South Korea Bans Online Sales of Synthetic Nicotine E-Liquids
South Korea will ban online sales of synthetic nicotine vape liquids and require cigarette-style warning labels under new rules taking effect this week. The law expands tobacco controls to include all nicotine products and tightens restrictions on sales and marketing.
USA
PMI Smoke-Free Business Reaches 43% of Q1 Revenues
Philip Morris International reported Q1 2026 revenues up 9.1%, with smoke-free products contributing 43% of total net revenues. Strong performance led PMI to raise its full-year EPS forecast, highlighting continued growth in smoke-free categories.
Mexico
Mexico Enacts Total Ban on All Vaping Products
Mexico has introduced a nationwide ban on the sale, production and distribution of all vaping devices and e-cigarettes.
USA
FDA Adds 18 Chemicals to Harmful Tobacco Constituents List
The FDA has expanded its list of harmful and potentially harmful tobacco constituents to 111 chemicals, including several commonly used in e-liquids. The update increases regulatory scrutiny but does not ban the substances.
Netherlands
Dutch Flavour Ban Linked to Drop in Vaping but Some Shift to Smoking, Study Finds
A Dutch study suggests a flavour ban reduced vaping, with 22% of users quitting, but 6% reported starting smoking as a result. Researchers say most quitters did not switch products, while critics warn the policy may have unintended harm-reduction consequences.