Nicotine Whispers: 2025 | Weeks 39 & 40
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 39 and 40 highlights:
Germany
Imperial Brands to Cease Production at Langenhagen Factory
Imperial Brands will close or sell its Langenhagen plant in Germany, affecting 640 employees, due to declining tobacco volumes and high costs. The move is part of the company’s 2026–2030 strategy to optimise its global manufacturing network.
USA
PMI Invests $37M to Expand Wilson, N.C. Smoke-Free Manufacturing
Philip Morris is upgrading its Wilson facility for IQOS ILUMA production, part of over $800M invested across North Carolina, Kentucky, and Colorado. The expansions strengthen U.S. smoke-free manufacturing and create nearly 1,000 jobs.
USA
FDA Targets 300K Retailers Selling Illegal Vaping Products
The FDA is launching a nationwide campaign to educate retailers and curb the sale of unauthorised vaping products in the U.S. The initiative aims to protect youth, ensure compliance, and reduce exposure to dangerous chemicals in illegal vape products.
UK
UK Confirms Vaping Products Duty and Stamps Scheme from October 2026
HMRC has announced a £2.20 per 10ml excise duty on all vaping liquids, with mandatory duty stamps required from April 2027. The move aligns with the UK’s smoke-free generation goals and follows upcoming bans on single-use vapes and stricter flavour rules.
Russia
Russia to Introduce Licensing for Cigarette and E-Cigarette Sales by 2026
Starting March 2026, Russia will require licenses for all cigarette and e-cigarette sales to boost market transparency and curb youth access. The new bill mandates permits for wholesalers, retailers, and delivery services, with penalties for violations and illegal trade.
Europe
PMI and BAT Join Forces for European Cigarette Production Efficiency
Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco plan a joint venture to share manufacturing across Poland, Croatia, and Portugal. As cigarette demand declines, the partnership aims to optimise capacity while maintaining jobs and supporting a shift toward smoke-free goals.
Germany
NLND Berlin | Philip Morris Unveils Europe’s Largest Innovation Campus
Philip Morris Germany has opened the 150,000 m² NLND Berlin campus, transforming a former cigarette factory into a hub for Industry 4.0 innovation. Focused on AI, robotics, and smart city tech, NLND aims to drive industrial transformation and connect startups, research, and global partners.
Belgium – EU
Prohibition Fails: Europe Needs Harm Reduction, Not Bans
Evidence from Germany, Brazil, and Australia shows that bans fuel black markets and stall smoking reduction. The EU must choose risk-based harm-reduction policies over prohibition to protect health and curb illicit trade.
Germany
InterTabac 2025 | Caffeine & Nicotine-Free Pouches Take the Spotlight
Nicotine pouches led the show in Dortmund as caffeine and nicotine-free variants gained ground. White-label makers and big brands intensified competition across Europe’s growing pouch market.