Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 33 & 34
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 33 and 34 Highlights:
UAE
UAE Raises Vape Tax from September
From September 1, the UAE will introduce a minimum excise price of Dh1 per ml for vape liquids, potentially increasing retail prices. The measure aims to curb consumption but could also drive demand toward unregulated products.
UK
Tobacco Giants Accelerate Nicotine Pouch Growth
PMI and BAT are expanding nicotine pouches globally as cigarette volumes decline, driven by strong margins and growing consumer interest. With the category projected to reach £11 billion by 2030, pouches are emerging as a key growth opportunity.
USA
Medical Panel Issues First E-Cigarette Cessation Guidelines
New clinical guidelines recommend e-cigarettes as an option to help adults quit smoking, alongside behavioural support. The panel stresses switching completely from cigarettes to vaping, with gradual nicotine reduction after quitting.
EU
ECIGATOR
EU Moves to Update Tobacco & Nicotine Taxes
The European Commission is proposing higher minimum excise taxes on cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches. The reform aims to modernize EU rules and align taxation across traditional and newer nicotine products.
USA
Trump Taps Heidi Overton to Lead FDA
Trump has chosen White House health policy aide Heidi Overton as the next FDA commissioner, pending Senate confirmation. She would inherit an agency facing leadership turnover and ongoing changes to e-cigarette and nicotine product regulation.
Brazil
Brazil Nicotine Pouch Debate Could Reopen Vape Ban
Potential regulation of nicotine pouches by Anvisa could reignite debate over Brazil’s ban on e-cigarettes. Industry groups argue the ban has failed to curb use, while illegal vape sales and tax losses continue to rise.
Kuwait
Kuwait Raises Nicotine Sales Age to 21
From January 2027, Kuwait will ban sales of tobacco and nicotine products, including vapes and pouches, to under-21s. The rules also ban online sales, advertising and unregistered nicotine products.
UK
UK Tightens Vape & Nicotine Rules
From October 29, the UK will enforce an 18+ sales age for all vaping and consumer nicotine products, including zero-nicotine vapes and nicotine pouches. New rules will also restrict promotional giveaways, discounts and proxy purchasing, with penalties for non-compliance.
France
France Considers Tobacco Levy for Wildfire Costs
A French lawmaker proposes a €15-per-1,000-cigarette levy on tobacco manufacturers to fund wildfire prevention, firefighting and reforestation. The proposal follows a severe wildfire season but still requires parliamentary approval.