Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 1 & 2
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 1 and 2 Highlights:
USA
Court Questions FDA’s De Facto Vape Ban
The Fifth Circuit pressed the FDA on whether its near-universal rejection of flavoured refillable e-cigarette applications effectively amounts to a ban, with VDX Distro arguing the agency imposes an unwritten standard favouring tobacco cessation without formal rulemaking.
Croatia
Croatia Raises Tobacco and E-Liquid Excise from 2026
Effective January 1, 2026, Croatia increases excise duties on cigarettes, smoking tobacco, e-liquids (€0.25/ml), heated tobacco (€211.30/kg), and new tobacco products, with expected budget revenue up by €129.1 million.
UK
UK: Nicotine Pouches Recognised as Lower-Risk
UK officials acknowledge nicotine pouches are lower risk than smoking but warn high strengths may drive dependence, prompting calls for a 20 mg cap alongside age restrictions.
Russia
Russia Hikes Tobacco Taxes for 2026
Starting in 2026, Russia raises excise taxes on cigarettes (+11%) and other tobacco products (+7%), including heated tobacco and e-liquids, aiming to boost federal revenue and curb smoking rates.
USA
US Nicotine Market Surges Amid Disposable & Pouch Boom
Between 2020 and 2024, total nicotine sales in the US rose 249%, driven by high-nicotine disposable e-cigarettes and a tripling of flavoured nicotine pouch sales
Hungary
Hungary Tobacco Products Prices Surge in 2026
From January 1, 2026, Hungary raises excise taxes across cigarettes, cigars, heated tobacco, and vape liquids, driving significant price increases while raising concerns over potential growth in the illicit market.
Italy
Italy Introduces Progressive Vape Tax Hikes
From January 1, 2026, Italy will raise taxes on e-liquids—18% for nicotine and 13% for nicotine-free—linked to tobacco excise, with rates set to increase annually through 2028, pushing prices up 5–10% and narrowing the cost gap with cigarettes.
USA
Non-U.S. Manufacturers Dominate White-Label Pouch Searches
While North America drives 78% of nicotine pouch revenue, non-U.S. manufacturers capture 75% of search visibility for white-label production, with the top three—NicoKickers, Daily Manufacturing, and TJP Labs—accounting for over half. The data highlights a gap between market demand and manufacturer visibility.
China
China Publishes First Comprehensive Vape Regulation Report
China’s STMA released a nationwide report detailing e-cigarette oversight, reporting nearly 20,000 administrative and 5,500 criminal cases, reinforcing tighter domestic controls, youth protections, and export compliance measures.
Finland
Finland Hikes Tobacco and Nicotine Taxes
From January 1, 2026, Finland will raise taxes on tobacco and nicotine products, with nicotine pouches up ~37% and cigarettes exceeding €11 per pack, as part of a phased excise increase running through mid-2027.