Nicotine Whispers: 2026 | Weeks 41 & 42
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 41 and 42 Highlights:
Portugal
Portugal Moves to Regulate Nicotine Pouches
Portugal’s Parliament is considering legislation that would empower the government to regulate nicotine pouches across manufacturing, imports, sales, labelling, advertising and taxation. The products are already sold and taxed in the country, but their regulatory framework remains under debate, including questions around flavours, nicotine concentrations and youth access.
Philippines
Philippines Introduces Mandatory Nicotine Pouch Certification
The Philippines has introduced mandatory product certification for nicotine pouches, requiring manufacturers and importers to obtain a Philippine Standard (PS) licence. Existing market participants have 12 months to comply.
UK
UK Expands Age Restrictions and Promotional Rules for Nicotine Products
From 29 October, the UK will extend minimum-age sales restrictions to all vaping and non-medicinal nicotine products, including zero-nicotine vapes and nicotine pouches. The new provisions also prohibit proxy purchasing for minors, consumer-facing vending-machine sales and certain promotional giveaways and discounts.
China
China to End Export VAT Rebates for Vape Devices and Nicotine
China will eliminate VAT export rebates for specified vape devices, nicotine and nicotine salts, and certain non-combustible inhalation products from 1 April 2027. The measure adds several product categories to the rebate cancellation list and could affect export costs and pricing across parts of the global vaping supply chain.
USA
VELO Strengthens Its Position in the US Nicotine Pouch Market
At the 2026 NACS Show, Reynolds American showcased its Vuse vaping portfolio and VELO nicotine pouches. BAT reported that VELO held a 30.5% year-to-date volume share of the US modern oral nicotine category through August 2026. The company is also expanding distribution of its VELO MAX range across US retail outlets.
Ukraine
Ukraine Delays Digital Excise System Rollout to July 2027
Ukraine has postponed the nationwide rollout of its e-Excise digital tracking system to 1 July 2027. The delay gives businesses additional time to prepare for the system, which is intended to strengthen excise control and product traceability across regulated markets, including tobacco and e-cigarette liquids.
Italy
Italy Raises Prices on Rolling Tobacco and Heated Tobacco Products
Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency introduced price revisions affecting 28 tobacco products on 14 October. The changes cover fine-cut tobacco, heated tobacco sticks and selected cigars, following requests from manufacturers and importers.
Uzbekistan
PMI Forum Highlights Smoke-Free Alternatives in Asia and Latin America
Philip Morris International brought together officials, scientists and industry stakeholders in Tashkent to discuss smoke-free alternatives and tobacco policy. Discussions covered heated tobacco, snus and nicotine pouches, evidence-based regulation and illicit trade. The forum reflects continued industry efforts to shape the debate on alternative nicotine products in emerging markets.