USA: Cigar Market
September 2026: STG Merges Cigar.com into Cigora in Major Direct-to-Consumer Consolidation Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) is streamlining its online direct-to-consumer retail footprint by transitioning long-running site cigar.com into cigora.com, effective September 28, 2026. Following the migration, the unified platform will operate under the brand name “CIGORA presented by Cigar.com.” When
US FDA – Tobacco: News
September 2026: FDA Names Bret Koplow as Director of the Center for Tobacco Products The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has officially appointed Bret Koplow, Ph.D., J.D., as Director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). Koplow, who previously served as the center’s Acting
USA: Vapes
September 2026: BAT Launches New Flavored Vuse Pods in U.S. Following Shift in FDA Enforcement Guidelines R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, the U.S. subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT), has initiated a phased U.S. rollout of new flavored Vuse Pro e-cigarette pods. The commercial move follows recent updates to the U.S.
USA: Nicotine Pouches
September 2026: Nicotine Pouches Propel U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Sales to $13.5 Billion Total U.S. convenience store sales for the smokeless tobacco category surged 12.2% year-over-year to $13.5 billion over the 52-week period ending July 12, 2026. Category growth was solely driven by rapidly expanding consumer demand for spitless oral nicotine
USA: Tobacco Products
September 2026: U.S. Cigarette Pricing Gains Offset Volume Decline to Keep Retail Sales Flat at $50.8 Billion U.S. convenience store cigarette sales held steady at $50.8 billion over the 52 weeks ending July 12, 2026, as steady price growth balanced out continuing drops in unit consumption, according to the latest
USA: Tobacco Regulation – States
September 2026: New York Imposes 75% Wholesale Tax on Nicotine Pouches and Alternative Nicotine Products A major tax shift targeting alternative nicotine products went into effect across New York State on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, extending the state’s traditional tobacco tax structure to non-combustible, tobacco-free nicotine pouches and gums. Enacted
Tobacco Regulation: United Kingdom
August 2026: UK Government Outlines New Fixed Penalty Notices and Operational Guidance for Tobacco and Vaping Violations The UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published detailed guidance on the rollout of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) and related enforcement rules for offences related to tobacco, vaping, and nicotine
British Cigarettes: “Fags”
August 2026: Imperial Brands Expands Players Range with Launch of Players Classic Imperial Brands has expanded its Players cigarette portfolio with the introduction of Players Classic, a new full-strength value cigarette aimed at budget-conscious adult smokers. Available in both King Size and Super Kings formats, the range carries a recommended
UK: Vapes
July 2026: ‘Big Puff’ Vape Surge Undermines UK Ban, Driving Escalating Battery Fire Hazards Following the UK government’s mid-2025 ban on single-use disposable vapes, sales of high-capacity “big puff” devices have skyrocketed. Rather than curbing overall nicotine consumption, the policy has driven manufacturers to exploit regulatory loopholes, flooding the market
UK: Nicotine Pouches
July 2026: Republic Technologies Enters UK Nicotine Pouch Market with Zig Launch Republic Technologies is entering the UK nicotine pouch market with the launch of Zig, marking the company’s first move into the rapidly expanding tobacco-free nicotine category. The new range will be available from August, extending the company’s portfolio
UK: Cigar Market
June 2026: The Structural Shift in the UK Cigar Market: The Rise of the Cigarillo Segment The UK cigar category accounts for more than £350 million in annual retail sales. Within this category, a significant structural realignment has occurred. First introduced six years ago, the cigarillo segment has expanded rapidly
UK: Cigarette Market
June 2026: Legislative Restructuring and Economic Bifurcation in the UK Tobacco Market The UK tobacco sector is entering a period of significant structural and regulatory transition. Valued at £12.6 billion over the past year, the cigarette category remains a highly profitable segment for the industry, even as it faces unprecedented
Canada: Cigarette Market
May 2026: Canada’s Tobacco and Vaping Act Review Highlights Enforcement Gaps Amid Growing Illicit Market Canada’s third legislative review of the 2018 Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) concluded that stronger compliance and enforcement measures are needed as illegal tobacco and vaping products continue to expand across the country. The
Tobacco Regulation: Canada
April 2026: As Part of 2035 Smoke Reduction Goal, Canada Considers ‘Smoke-Free Generation’ Ban Inspired by UK Canada’s federal government is examining the introduction of a generational tobacco ban that would permanently prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 2008. The proposal, still under consideration, reflects a
Zonnic: Canada
March 2026: Alberta Urges Federal Government to Ease Nicotine Pouch Restrictions Amid Black Market Concerns Alberta’s provincial government has formally urged Canada’s federal authorities to reconsider strict national rules governing nicotine pouches, arguing that the current framework is counterproductive and contributes to the growth of an unregulated market. In a
Canada: Vapes
February 2026: Diverging Alcohol and Nicotine Trends Among Young Canadian Adults Young Canadian adults are consuming less alcohol than older generations, while reporting comparatively higher daily use of nicotine products. Based on self-reported lifestyle disclosures from insurance applications, Canadians aged 18 to 29 recorded the lowest incidence of daily alcohol
Canadian Tobacco Lawsuit & Settlement
August 2025: Imperial Tobacco Canada exits bankruptcy protection British American Tobacco (BAT)’s Canadian affiliate, Imperial Tobacco Canada (ITCAN) formally exited protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). ITCAN stated that the Court-approved Plan of Compromise and Arrangement concludes the tobacco litigation provides maximum recovery for claimants while bringing stability
Marlboro: Canada
The Marlboro Brand Paradox in Canada: A Trademark Tug-of-War Marlboro, the world’s most known cigarette brand, is globally synonymous with Philip Morris Company. Its red & white packaging and the Marlboro man have become iconic. The trademark is owned by Philip Morris USA (part of Altria Group) in its home
Tobacco Regulation: European Union
September 2026: EU Stalled on Nicotine Pouch Tax Debate as Clashing Blocs Block Compromise The European Union’s efforts to overhaul its Tobacco Taxation Directive remain mired in a bitter political stalemate, as member states clash over how to tax emerging non-combustible products like oral nicotine pouches. The European Commission’s proposed
Ukraine: Cigarette & Vape Market
August 2026: Over 93% of E-cigarettes in Ukraine Fail Legal Compliance, Study Reveals More than 93% of e-cigarettes on the Ukrainian market do not comply with legal requirements, with only 4% of products meeting all statutory regulations, according to a study conducted by Kantar Ukraine at the request of the
Tobacco Regulation: Russia
August 2026: Russia Imposes Up to Five Years in Prison for Smuggling Vapes Russia has officially tightened penalties on illicit cross-border trade, adding e-cigarettes, vaping liquids and nicotine salts to its official list of “strategically important goods.” Under the regulation taking effect August 20, 2026, individuals caught smuggling these products
Tobacco Regulation: Europe
August 2026: One in Six Europeans Use Tobacco or Related Products Daily, Survey Shows 16.5% of people aged 16 and older across the European Union used tobacco and related products on a daily basis in 2025, according to Eurostat survey data. Representing roughly one in six EU residents, this figure
Germany: Cigarette Market
July 2026: Germany to Push Tobacco Tax Higher Than Planned in Bid to Plug Budget Deficit Facing a growing fiscal deficit, the German government is planning a substantial hike in tobacco taxes that goes significantly higher than initially projected. According to plans drafted by the Federal Ministry of Finance, the
France: Cigarette Market
June 2026: Smoking declines in France as vaping continues to rise Tobacco sales through tobacconists in mainland France fell by 8.2 million tonnes in 2025 compared with 2024, reaching a total of 30.2 million tonnes. The decline was broad-based across most categories, while other tobacco products – such as hookah
Tobacco Regulation: Australia
September 2026: Australian Coalition Proposes 80% Tobacco Tax Cut to Smash Illicit Cigarette Market Australia’s federal Opposition Coalition has unveiled a policy to slash the national tobacco excise by 80%, proposing a dramatic tax cut designed to destroy the profit margins driving the country’s rampant illicit tobacco market. Under the
Australia: Nicotine Pouches
July 2026: New Australia Regulations Ban Personal Importation of Nicotine Pouches The Australian Government has established new regulations to restrict access to nicotine pouches, citing concerns over public health and the growing appeal of these products to younger demographics. Under the new rules, which take effect on July 24, 2026,
Australia: Cigarette Market
July 2026: Australian Smoking and Vaping Rates Decline to Historic Lows, AIHW Survey Shows Smoking and vaping rates in Australia have either declined or stabilised, according to the 2025 National Drug Strategy Household Survey released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The data indicates that daily smoking
New Zealand: Cigarette Market
April 2026: New Zealand Cigarette Market Under Pressure as Illicit Trade and Vaping Weigh on Industry Performance British American Tobacco (BAT) and Imperial Brands have reported weaker financial results, highlighting mounting structural pressures on New Zealand’s legal tobacco market, including a rapidly expanding illicit trade, high excise taxes, and accelerating
New Zealand: Vapes
February 2026: New Zealand Approves First Quit‑Vaping Medicine as Youth Use Climbs New Zealand’s medicines regulator Medsafe approved the country’s first product specifically indicated to help people quit vaping, marking a milestone in clinical support for nicotine dependence. The product now recommended for this purpose is Nicorette QuickMist, a nicotine mouth
New Zealand: Nicotine Pouches
December 2025: New Zealand Lawmakers Clash Over Plans to Introduce Oral Nicotine Products A contentious session took place in the parliamentary Health Select Committee in which the rollout of smokeless nicotine and tobacco products (like nicotine pouches or “snus”) became the centre of a heated debate. The government, via the
Japan: Heated Tobacco Sticks
September 2026: Japan Tobacco Expands Ploom Lineup with EVO Cacao Mint Crystal and Mevius Tropical Option Japan Tobacco (JT) announced two additions to its Ploom heated tobacco stick portfolio: EVO Cacao Mint Crystal and Mevius Tropical Option. Both products are set for nationwide release on October 6, 2026. The EVO
Japan: Heated Tobacco Devices
September 2026: Japan Tobacco Redesigns Ploom CUBE Heated Tobacco Device Japan Tobacco (JT) announced the redesign of its Ploom CUBE heated tobacco device, introducing updated aesthetic options, fresh matte finishes, and a new lineup of customizable accessories. The revamped device features a tactile matte finish in two core colors, Pebble
Japan: Heated Tobacco Market
September 2026: Philip Morris International Opens First Global IQOS Flagship Store in Ginza, Tokyo Philip Morris International (PMI) has officially opened its first global IQOS flagship store in Tokyo’s premier Ginza shopping district. The new “IQOS Flagship Ginza” opened its doors on September 4, 2026, marking a major milestone for
Japan: Nicotine pouches
September 2026: Japan Tobacco Expands Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouch Portfolio Across Japan Japan Tobacco is expanding its smoke-free oral nicotine portfolio in Japan with the launch of three new Nordic Spirit refresh pouch variants beginning October 6, 2026, alongside a nationwide retail expansion for two existing flavors. The new offerings
Japan: Tobacco Market
August 2026: JT to Release 80th-Anniversary Packaging for Peace Cigarettes Japan Tobacco (JT) announced it will release limited-edition packaging across four products in its Peace cigarette lineup to commemorate the brand’s 80th anniversary. The temporary packaging retains the layout of the standard line while featuring an enlarged version of the
Tobacco Regulation: Japan
July 2026: Japan Backs Off From Tighter Restrictions on Heated Tobacco Products Japan’s health ministry has decided to defer implementing stricter regulations on heated tobacco products (HTPs) for the time being. The decision comes as part of an ongoing review of the country’s secondhand smoke measures, originally enacted under the
South Korea: Heated Tobacco Sticks
August 2026: Philip Morris Korea Expands IQOS ILUMA Lineup with Launch of ‘TEREA Rimona Pearl’ Philip Morris Korea announced the release of “TEREA Rimona Pearl,” a new capsule-type tobacco stick for its flagship IQOS ILUMA heated tobacco devices, expanding its specialized flavor portfolio for adult consumers. The new TEREA Rimona
South Korea: Vapes
August 2026: S. Korea Faces Surge in ‘Nicotine-Free’ and Analogue Vapes Following Heavy Vape Tax South Korea’s vaping market is grappling with a rapidly growing loophole following a sweeping tax implementation that more than doubled retail prices for e-cigarettes. Consumers looking to bypass escalating costs are turning to products marketed
Tobacco Regulation: South Korea
June 2026: South Korea Reconsiders Cigarette Tax Hike as Public Support Grows South Korea is once again considering raising cigarette taxes after the Health & Welfare Minister said the government needs to review tobacco pricing as part of broader tobacco control efforts. While no formal proposal has been introduced, the
South Korea: Heated Tobacco Devices
June 2026: KT&G Expands lil AIBLE 3.0 Heated Tobacco Device Nationwide in South Korea KT&G has expanded sales of its latest heated tobacco device, lil AIBLE 3.0, across South Korea after initially launching the product in selected regions earlier this year. The nationwide rollout follows a pilot introduction in Seoul,
South Korea: Cigarette Market
May 2026: Heated Tobacco & E-Cigarette Surge and Multiple Product Use Offset Declines in Conventional Smoking in South Korea In recognition of World No Tobacco Day, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) released an in-depth analysis based on the 2025 Community Health Survey, which evaluated the health behaviors
South Korea: Heated Tobacco Market
May 2026: Korea’s Heated Tobacco Market Heats Up as E-Cigarette Regulations Reshape Competition Competition in South Korea’s heated tobacco market is intensifying following the recent inclusion of synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes under tobacco regulations. Until recently, synthetic nicotine vaping products had benefited from lighter regulation and lower taxation, giving the category
Philippines: Tobacco Market
August 2026: Value of Seized Illegal Cigarettes and Vapes Reaches ₱11.7 Billion in 2026 The estimated value of illegal tobacco and e-cigarette products confiscated by the Bureau of Customs in 2026 has quadrupled compared to total seizures in 2025, according to data shared by the agency’s Enforcement and Security Services.
Philippines: Nicotine Pouches
August 2026: JTI Philippines Expands Nicotine Pouch Portfolio with Launch of Two New Nordic Spirit Variants Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has announced an expansion of its smoke-free product offerings, introducing two new flavor options to its Nordic Spirit nicotine pouch lineup across the Philippine market. First introduced locally in 2023,
Philippines: Vapes
August 2026: Lawmakers and Advocates Push Uniform Vape Excise Taxes to Recover Revenue Losses and Curb Illicit Trade Philippine lawmakers, health advocates, and industry representatives are calling for reforms to establish a unified, risk-based excise tax regime on vapor products as the national government seeks to recover foregone revenues, curb
Philippines: Heated Tobacco
December 2025: Philip Morris opens IQOS Flagship Boutique in Makati, Manila PMFTC, the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), opened its latest IQOS Boutique in Glorietta shopping mall complex in Makati, Manila. Launched as a premium, multi-sensory flagship space, the boutique aims to create a modern/stylish, immersive environment that blends
Flava Vape: Questions and Answers
What happened to Flava Vape? Why is Flava closed? In March 2024, amid allegations of illegal marketing to minors and tax evasion, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ordered the suspension of the sale, manufacturing, importation, and distribution of Flava vape in the Philippines. DTI’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau
Flava Vape Philippines
The Philippines is a US$200 million e-cigarette market with an annual growth rate of mid-teens. Until recently, the controversial Flava brand claimed to be the market leader in the Philippines e-cigarette market. Flava’s rise & fall sets a textbook example that is worth exploring in details. What kind of vape
India: Smokeless Tobacco Market
September 2026: India’s Tobacco Control Authority Recommends Rejection of Nicotine Pouch Manufacturing Licenses India’s National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) has recommended the rejection of applications for manufacturing and import licenses for oral nicotine pouches, reinforcing New Delhi’s firm policy stance against emerging recreational nicotine products. The recommendation by the health
China: Tobacco Market
September 2026: Beijing Taps Tobacco Monopoly for ¥260 Billion State Bank Capital Injection Beijing is mobilizing state-owned cigarette monopoly China National Tobacco Corporation alongside the Ministry of Finance to execute a combined ¥260 billion ($38.7 billion) capital injection into two of the nation’s largest state lenders. The move aims to
Tobacco Regulation: Asia
September 2026: Taiwan to Launch 431 Anonymous Vape Surrender Sites Ahead of Stricter Crackdown Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration (HPA) announced that it will establish 431 designated collection sites nationwide starting September 8, 2026, allowing citizens to anonymously turn in illegal e-cigarette devices without penalty. The initiative is part of an
India: Cigarette Market
July 2026: Higher Tobacco Taxes Weigh on Indian Cigarette Makers in Q1 FY27 Results A steep increase in taxes on cigarettes and tobacco products has begun taking a heavy toll on India’s tobacco manufacturing sector. Despite reporting sharp jumps in gross revenue driven by tax pass-through, leading manufacturers – including
Southeast Asia: Tobacco Market
Southeast Asia is one of the most populous geographical regions in the World with 675 million population. It is home to Indonesia, world’s largest cigarette market outside China. The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand also rank within the Top-20 cigarette markets worldwide. Consequently, the Region is of great importance for
Bangladesh: Tobacco Market
June 2026: Bangladesh Brings Nicotine Pouches and Heated Tobacco Products Into National Tax Framework Bangladesh has, for the first time, formally brought nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products (HTPs) into its national tax framework. Under the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget, Minister of Finance introduced new tariff classifications for nicotine
Illicit Trade – RRPs: International
August 2026: Illicit High-Nicotine Vapes Flood European Markets Amid Enforcement Gaps A parallel market for non-compliant e-cigarettes is rapidly expanding across Europe, granting consumers easy access to hyper-concentrated, massive-capacity disposable vapes. Recent investigations by public health advocacy groups reveal that illicit e-cigarettes vastly exceeding legal safety thresholds can be purchased
Global Vape Market
August 2026: China’s Vape Exports Hit 2026 Peak at $1.047 Billion as U.S. Demand Surges China’s exports across vaping products reached $1.047 billion in July 2026, marking a 16.5% year-over-year increase and the highest monthly total of the year. According to China Customs data, the expansion was heavily concentrated in
International: Illegal Cigarettes
August 2026: Nearly 60% of Cigarette Packs in Ireland Avoided Domestic Tax, Research Reveals A major research study tracking discarded cigarette packaging across Ireland has revealed that nearly six in ten cigarette packs consumed in the country avoided Irish tax, pointing to widespread tax avoidance and illegal smuggling. The Empty
Turkey: Tobacco Market
August 2026: All Cigarette Brands in Turkey Now Priced Above ₺110 Following the August 2026 round of price increases, all cigarette brands in Turkey now retail above the ₺110 ($2.3) threshold. In the above-premium segment, Parliament (Philip Morris International) and selected variants of Winston (Japan Tobacco), Kent (British American Tobacco)
South Africa: Tobacco Market
July 2026: Survey Highlights Low Awareness of Nicotine Alternatives Amid South Africa’s Tobacco Law Revision A recent consumer survey commissioned by Philip Morris International (PMI) has provided new insights into consumer dynamics within the South African tobacco market, highlighting significant gaps in public awareness regarding alternative nicotine options. The survey
Tobacco Regulation: Latin America
May 2026: Argentina Transitions from Prohibition to Regulation of Nicotine Alternatives Argentina has enacted Resolution 549/2026, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for vaping products, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches – marking a clear shift away from its longstanding prohibitionist approach. The move reflects a more pragmatic policy stance, as authorities
