Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | Weeks 23 & 24
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 23 and 24 highlights:
EU
EU Commission Proposes Dramatic Tobacco and Vape Tax Hikes
The European Commission plans to raise cigarette and rolling tobacco taxes by up to 258%, while introducing new excise duties on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. This move aims to harmonize taxation across the EU and boost revenues by €15 billion annually, amid debate over its impact on consumers and markets.
Ukraine
Ukraine’s Flavour Vape Ban Backfires, Fuels DIY and Black Market Surge
A national survey reveals 64% of Ukrainian vapers still use flavours despite a 2023 ban, with over half turning to unregulated homemade mixes, raising health concerns and highlighting public resistance to prohibition-led policies.
UK
BAT Accelerates Smokeless Shift in MENA Region
BAT is driving Tobacco Harm Reduction in MENA by offering science-backed, reduced-risk nicotine products like VELO pouches. Strong consumer interest and strategic investment position the region as key to their smokeless future.
Switzerland
Switzerland Bans Disposable Vapes
Despite opposition from the Federal Council, Switzerland’s Senate approved a ban on single-use vapes, citing youth appeal, addiction risks, and environmental harm.
UK
UK Disposable Vape Ban May Drive Smokers Back, Survey Warns
A new poll shows 18% of disposable vape users plan to return to smoking post-ban, prompting Yorkshire Cancer Research to urge government support for affordable, accessible vaping as a key smoking cessation tool.
Sweden
Sweden Pushes Back Against French Nicotine Pouch Ban
Sweden has formally challenged France’s proposed ban on nicotine pouches, defending its harm reduction model and warning the EU against criminalising safer nicotine alternatives that helped it achieve the world’s lowest smoking rate.
Spain
Spain to Widen Outdoor Smoking and Vaping Ban
Spain plans to ban smoking and vaping in more outdoor public areas, including terraces, campuses, and bus stops, aiming to protect public health and vulnerable groups.
USA
FDA Updates PMTA and SE Submission Requirements
The U.S. FDA has released new forms and validation tools for PMTA and SE applications, effective July 6, 2025. Failure to use the updated forms or comply with instructions may lead to application rejection.