Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 29 & 30
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 29 and 30 Highlights:
USA
PMI Reports Strong Q2 2026 Growth Driven by Smoke-Free Products
Philip Morris International reported Q2 2026 revenue growth of 10.4% to $11.2 billion, driven by strong performance across IQOS, ZYN and VEEV, with smoke-free products representing 42% of total revenues.
EU
JT Acquires BREAK and Moro Tobacco Brands from STG
Japan Tobacco will acquire the EU and Switzerland rights for STG’s fine-cut tobacco brands BREAK and Moro for €176 million, strengthening its Western Europe combustible portfolio and supporting future investment in reduced-risk products.
Kenya
BAT Kenya Revenue Boosted by Nicotine Pouches and Export Growth
BAT Kenya reported a 5% H1 2026 revenue increase to Sh12.3 billion, driven by stronger exports and growing nicotine pouch demand, despite challenges from illicit tobacco trade and inflation.
Poland
Poland Proposes Higher Vape Taxes on Devices and E-Liquids
Poland plans to raise excise taxes on vaping devices and e-liquids to reduce youth access and close tax loopholes, increasing device taxes from 40 to 50 PLN and e-liquids from 1.80 to 2.20 PLN/ml.
USA
FDA Modernizes Tobacco Submission Portal
The FDA has upgraded its CTP Portal NextGen platform and will phase out eSubmitter forms for PMTA and SE submissions by November 2026, moving applicants toward a fully web-based process.
Australia
Australia Smoking Rate Hits Record Low
Australia’s daily smoking rate fell to 5.6% in 2025, a record low, while illicit tobacco use increased among remaining smokers, highlighting ongoing debates around regulation and taxation.
France
France Considers Lifetime Tobacco Ban for Future Generations
France’s health authority has proposed banning tobacco sales to anyone born after 2009, aiming to eliminate youth smoking, but the plan faces opposition over enforcement, illicit trade risks and EU tax challenges.
UK
UK Vaping Duty Set to Increase E-Liquid Prices
The UK’s new Vaping Products Duty, introducing a £2.20 charge per 10ml of e-liquid from October 2026, is expected to raise consumer prices as businesses pass on higher costs.
Mexico
Mexico’s Vape Ban Drives 2.5 Million Users to Black Market
Mexico’s e-cigarette prohibition has failed to eliminate consumption, with an estimated 2.5 million devices now circulating through illicit channels, reducing tax revenues and limiting product oversight.
Switzerland
Switzerland Upholds Valais Disposable Vape Ban
Switzerland’s Federal Court has upheld Valais’ ban on disposable e-cigarette sales, confirming that cantons can introduce local restrictions on vapes until national legislation is adopted.
Scotland
Scotland Proposes Plain Packaging Rules for Vapes and Tobacco
Scotland has launched a consultation on stricter packaging and display rules for vapes, nicotine pouches and tobacco products, including plain designs, limited flavour names and retail display restrictions to reduce youth appeal.
Ireland
Ireland Moves Toward Disposable Vape Ban and Stricter Rules
Ireland has passed legislation banning single-use vapes from 2027, with further restrictions on flavours, branding and advertising expected by late 2026, raising concerns over access to harm-reduction alternatives and illicit markets.