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 escalating effort by the Taiwan government to eliminate e-cigarette use and curb the spread of emerging synthetic drugs – most notably etomidate – which are frequently consumed using vaping devices. The collection boxes will be situated at local health bureaus and public health centers across the country. Individuals can deposit their e-cigarettes and vape paraphernalia into the boxes without providing their names or any personal information.
The surrender campaign comes after the Cabinet approved a draft amendment to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act in June 2026. While importing, selling, and using e-cigarettes have been illegal in Taiwan since 2023, the current law lacked explicit administrative penalties for simple possession. The pending amendment, currently under review by the Legislative Yuan, closes this loophole by introducing administrative fines between NT$30,000 and NT$100,000 (US$945 to US$3,000) for possessing e-cigarettes or their components. Officials confirmed that the anonymous drop-off program will run through a one-month grace period once the amended legislation takes effect. After the grace period ends, authorities will enforce strict confiscations and levy fines on anyone found in possession of vaping devices.
August 2026: Vietnam Proposes Comprehensive Ban on Novel Tobacco Products and Point-of-Sale Displays
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has proposed draft amendments to the national Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms, calling for a complete ban on next-generation nicotine products and the total removal of tobacco displays at retail points of sale. The proposed legislative update aims to close existing legal loopholes, curb rising youth adoption of non-traditional nicotine items, and align national policies with global tobacco control standards.
Under the draft law, Vietnam would institute a full prohibition on the production, commercial trade, storage, transportation, advertising, sponsorship, and use of electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, nicotine pouches, and other emerging nicotine delivery systems. Health officials noted that a restriction on sales alone would be insufficient, citing the rapid proliferation of novel products among adolescents and young adults as well as hospital emergency admissions linked to e-cigarette toxicity.
A central component of the draft legislation targets product visibility at retail locations. Under current regulations set by Article 25 of the existing tobacco control law, retailers are permitted to display up to one pack or box of each tobacco brand variant at points of sale. The proposed amendments would eliminate this allowance entirely, requiring all tobacco products at wholesale and retail outlets to be kept completely out of sight in closed storage cabinets.
Public health advocates pointed out that checkout displays currently function as de facto point-of-sale advertising, increasing product familiarity among minors. Surveys across major Vietnamese cities revealed an average of 13 tobacco retail points operating within the immediate vicinity of each school.
If enacted, Vietnam will join 59 countries worldwide that have instituted mandatory point-of-sale display bans, aligning its policy framework with regional peers such as Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Laos, and Malaysia. The Ministry of Health plans to submit the draft legislation to the 16th National Assembly for review and approval during its second session in October 2026. If passed, the regulations are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027, giving retailers a structured transition period to modify display infrastructures.
August 2026: Malaysian Government Drops Appeal Over Liquid Nicotine Exclusion
The Malaysian government has officially dropped its legal challenge against a landmark High Court ruling that struck down the 2023 decision to remove liquid and gel nicotine from the national poisons list. The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) filed a notice of discontinuance at the Court of Appeal, bringing a definitive end to the government’s appeal.
The legal dispute traces back to March 2023, when the Health Ministry removed liquid and gel nicotine used in e-cigarettes and vaping products from the Poisons List under the Poisons Act 1952 – a move primarily intended to clear the way for government taxation on nicotine e-liquids. Three public health and child advocacy groups subsequently filed a judicial review. In May 2026, Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled in favor of the NGOs, declaring the government’s delisting order “irrational,” executed without proper or adequate consultation with the Poisons Board, and ultra vires (exceeding legal authority) under Section 6 of the Poisons Act.
Though the government initially appealed the High Court verdict last June, the AGC’s withdrawal leaves the ruling fully intact. Public health advocates hailed the outcome as a major victory, as it legally affirms that liquid nicotine was never lawfully exempted from poison regulations during that period.b The resolution comes as Malaysia continues to implement its overarching Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which introduced direct statutory controls and age limits on e-cigarette devices and vaping solutions.
August 2026: Kuwait Overhauls Tobacco Laws: Bans Online Sales and Raises Minimum Purchase Age to 21
Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has introduced a sweeping new regulatory framework governing tobacco and nicotine products, prohibiting online sales and delivery, setting the minimum legal purchase age at 21, and extending public smoking bans to electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco devices. Minister of Health issued Ministerial Resolution No. 237 of 2026, establishing comprehensive controls on the import, manufacture, packaging, advertising, distribution, and consumption of all tobacco and nicotine delivery systems. Published in August 2026, the legislation is set to officially take effect on January 1, 2027.
Key Measures under Resolution No. 237 of 2026
– Age Limit & Verification: Sales, deliveries, or gifts of tobacco and nicotine products to anyone under 21 are strictly forbidden. Retailers must verify customer age using official Civil IDs before completing any transaction.
– E-Commerce & Delivery Prohibition: Regulated products can no longer be sold, displayed, or distributed via websites, mobile applications, social media platforms, or delivery services. Sales through self-service kiosks and mobile carts are also banned.
– Vaping Treated as Traditional Smoking: Electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco devices, and other aerosol-generating systems are now subject to the same public-space restrictions as conventional cigarettes.
– Strict Location Restrictions: Sales and displays are banned in educational institutions (schools, universities), medical facilities, government buildings, sports clubs, youth centers, cinemas, grocery stores, and temporary event kiosks.
– Ban on Marketing & Advertising: Direct and indirect promotion – including social media influencer campaigns, brand sponsorships of cultural/sports events, free samples, and promotional discounts – is completely prohibited.
– Child-Targeted Packaging Rules: Products featuring cartoons, animated images, or packaging designed to resemble sweets, drinks, or toys are banned.
– Strict Labeling & Misleading Claims: Manufacturers cannot use terms like “less harmful,” “light,” or “low tar” without explicit approval from the Ministry of Health. Unregistered nicotine pouches or products exceeding permitted chemical thresholds are barred from entry into the market.
The new framework aligns Kuwait’s national policies with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Environment Public Authority, Environmental Police, and the General Administration of Customs, will hold inspection and enforcement powers. Authorities will have the mandate to confiscate non-compliant goods, issue penalties, and block illegal digital advertisements ahead of the full implementation on January 1, 2027.
August 2026: UAE Sets Minimum Excise Price of AED 1/mL for E-Cigarette Liquids Starting September 1, 2026
The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced a minimum excise price of AED 1 per millilitre for liquids used in electronic smoking devices and tools, effective September 1, 2026. The new price floor is intended to enhance tax compliance, improve market oversight, and align standards between electronic smoking products and traditional tobacco items. Under the UAE’s current tax framework, a 100% excise tax rate applies to all covered tobacco and vaping products.
The Ministry noted that the measure will help prevent product undervaluation and address market practices that could distort tax collection. The existing minimum excise price rules for cigarettes, waterpipe tobacco (shisha), and other ready-to-use tobacco products remain unchanged.
August 2026: Israel Enforces Graphic Health Warning Images on All Tobacco and Smoking Products
Israel has officially rolled out new regulations mandating explicit graphic photo warnings across all tobacco and nicotine products, including traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, rolling tobacco, hookahs, and nicotine pouches.
Key details of the regulation are:
– 75% Packaging Coverage: Explicit images illustrating the health consequences of smoking must cover at least 75% of the packaging surface, replacing standard marketing material.
– Standardized Plain Packaging: The remaining 25% of the package will retain the uniform color mandated in 2020, which eliminated brand logos and decorative styling.
– Culturally Sensitive Design: Israel’s Health Ministry designed the graphic images to ensure maximum visual impact across diverse demographics while remaining mindful of local cultural and religious sensitivities.
– Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance: Importers and distributors failing to comply face criminal charges and heavy fines – up to NIS 452,000 (~$123,000) for corporate entities and NIS 226,000 (~$61,400) for private businesses.
Israel signed the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2003 (ratified in 2005) and now joins roughly 140 nations that enforce full photo-based health warnings – which aims to forge an immediate link between the product and its severe physical toll.
June 2026: Taiwan Moves to Impose Prison Time and Stiff Fines on E-Cigarettes to Curb Drug Abuse
In a major move to protect public safety and curb a sharp rise in drug-related crimes, Taiwan’s Cabinet has approved a sweeping set of draft amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act and the Criminal Code. The new legislation introduces severe criminal and administrative penalties aimed at completely eliminating the supply chain and use of electronic cigarettes. The legislative push is directly fueled by a growing public safety crisis involving “zombie vapes” – e-cigarette cartridges laced with etomidate, a controlled anesthetic drug that has increasingly been abused as a narcotic.
To combat this loophole, authorities are dramatically raising the stakes for anyone involved with e-cigarettes:
– Criminal Charges for Suppliers: Under the proposed amendments, the unauthorized manufacturing, importation, sale, supply, or public display of e-cigarettes will become criminal offenses punishable by up to seven years in prison, alongside massive corporate and individual fines of up to NT$5 million (US$158,000).
– Stiff Penalties for Possession: Previously, while the use of e-cigarettes carried penalties, simple possession remained a loophole. The new law cracks down on users, making the mere possession of e-cigarettes punishable by steep administrative fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$100,000 (US$950 to US$3,160) and immediate confiscation of the devices.
– Targeting International Travelers: Visitors attempting to bring e-cigarette products into Taiwan will face severe border penalties, with fines for bringing in prohibited vaping products ranging from NT$200,000 to NT$1 million.
The Health Promotion Administration (HPA) stated that a one-month grace period will be provided once the law takes effect, allowing individuals to voluntarily hand over and dispose of their devices without being fined. However, any vapes discovered by law enforcement during or after this period will be seized and destroyed. The draft bill has now been forwarded to the Legislative Yuan for final review and passing, signaling an absolute zero-tolerance policy against the rising tide of vape-borne narcotics in Taiwan.
May 2026: Malaysia High Court Rules Vape Nicotine Exemption Was Unlawful
The High Court has ruled that the Malaysian government’s 2023 decision to exempt liquid and gel nicotine used in vape and e-cigarette products from the Poisons List was “irrational” and unlawful, marking a significant victory for public health groups in the country. The ruling followed a judicial review filed by three health-related NGOs challenging the government’s move to remove nicotine liquids and gels from regulation under the Poisons Act 1952.
The court found that the exemption order had been made without adequate consultation with the Poisons Board and was contrary to provisions of the Poisons Act. It also concluded that economic and taxation considerations had become a key factor behind the decision after the government moved to impose excise duties on nicotine vape products under the 2023 budget.
The nicotine exemption, introduced in March 2023 by the then Health Minister, effectively legalized the sale of nicotine-containing vape products before Malaysia’s dedicated smoking control legislation came into force. Health advocates argued at the time that the move created a regulatory gap that exposed minors to nicotine products without sufficient safeguards.
Health NGOs welcomed the ruling and urged the government not to appeal, arguing that the case highlighted the need to prioritize public health over fiscal considerations. They also called for nicotine vape liquids to be returned to appropriate poison controls. Malaysia’s Health Ministry has since announced that it will consult with the Attorney General’s Chambers to review the legal implications of the judgment and determine next steps.
May 2026: Thailand Confirms Nicotine Pouches Are Legal, Taxed Products Amid Regulatory Tensions
Thailand’s Excise Department has clarified that nicotine pouches are legal products and can be sold domestically, provided they comply with tax and regulatory requirements. The clarification comes after regulatory friction, with the Department of Disease Control previously requesting the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) to ban the sale of nicotine pouches, citing public health concerns.
According to the Excise Department, nicotine pouches are classified as taxed tobacco products, similar to cigarettes. They must carry excise stamps and can only be sold through licensed retail channels. Distributors – including the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly (TTM) and foreign cigarette companies importing and selling nicotine pouches – are operating in compliance with the Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 (2017), reinforcing their legal standing under existing legislation. However, strict controls remain in place. Sales via electronic channels are prohibited, and retailers must adhere to display and marketing restrictions, with penalties for violations. The department also reiterated a clear distinction between product categories, noting that e-cigarettes remain illegal in Thailand due to import bans and the absence of a taxation framework.
Overall, the announcement underscores that nicotine pouches occupy a regulated but legally recognized position within Thailand’s tobacco framework, despite ongoing pressure from public health authorities to restrict their availability.
May 2026: Hong Kong Implements Total Ban on Possession of Vapes and Heated Tobacco
Starting April 30, 2026, Hong Kong has enacted a strict ban on the possession and use of alternative smoking products (ASPs), including e-cigarettes, vapes, and heated tobacco, in public places. This marks a significant escalation from the 2022 ban, which previously only covered the import, manufacture, and sale of these products. Under the new regulations, any individual found possessing ASPs in public is subject to a fixed penalty of HK$3,000. For more serious offenses, such as the possession of ASPs for commercial purposes or in large quantities, offenders can face criminal prosecution with maximum penalties of a HK$50,000 fine and six months in prison.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office has stated that inspectors will issue fines immediately without prior warning, and there is no “grace period” for the public to dispose of these items. The ban applies to everyone within Hong Kong, including overseas visitors. Authorities have increased publicity at border control points and collaborated with airlines to ensure tourists are aware that they cannot bring these items into the city or use them in public. Government officials highlighted that the ban is specifically designed to protect youth from nicotine addiction and to eliminate the circulation of harmful substances that persisted after the 2022 sales ban. Health authorities reiterated that alternative smoking products emit toxic substances that can cause cancer and damage the respiratory system, emphasizing that there is no evidence these products help with smoking cessation. Smokers are instead urged to utilize official government cessation services.
April 2026: Thailand Targets Nicotine Pouches with Health Warning Amid Expanding Crackdown
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has issued a public warning against claims that nicotine pouches and similar products are harmless, stressing that they still contain addictive nicotine and pose health risks. Authorities emphasized that such products remain illegal under Thai law, reinforcing the country’s strict stance on alternative nicotine products.
The warning reflects a broader escalation in Thailand’s anti-nicotine campaign. While e-cigarettes are already banned, regulators are increasingly focused on emerging products such as nicotine pouches, which are often marketed as safer alternatives but are gaining attention among younger users. This development fits into a wider policy direction: Thailand continues to pursue one of the most restrictive regulatory frameworks globally, combining outright bans with intensified enforcement and public health messaging aimed at curbing youth uptake and nicotine addiction.
April 2026: Indonesia Weighs Sweeping Vape Ban Under Narcotics Law
Indonesia is considering a far-reaching ban on vaping products, with authorities proposing that electronic cigarettes liquids be regulated under the country’s narcotics and psychotropic substances law. The proposal, led by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), remains at an early stage and is still under discussion with policymakers and stakeholders. The initiative specifically targets both e-cigarette devices and e-liquids, reflecting concerns that the category is increasingly being used as a delivery mechanism for illicit substances. Authorities argue that including vapes within narcotics legislation would significantly strengthen enforcement compared to existing health regulations, which currently carry lighter penalties.
The push for tighter control is supported by laboratory findings, which identified the presence of substances such as synthetic cannabinoids, methamphetamine, and anesthetics in a subset of tested vape liquids. Regulators believe that restricting or banning vaping devices altogether could help curb the circulation and consumption of such substances. While no final decision has been made, the proposal signals a potentially significant regulatory shift for Indonesia’s vape market, aligning it more closely with several Southeast Asian countries that have already implemented outright bans on e-cigarettes.
March 2026: Bangladesh Moves to Lift E-Cigarette Ban in Tobacco Law Revision
The Government of Bangladesh is preparing to amend its anti-tobacco ordinance to remove the ban on e-cigarettes, a move that would reverse earlier restrictions on electronic nicotine products and potentially reopen the market for vaping products in the country. The planned amendment would withdraw provisions that currently prohibit the production, import, sale, distribution, and marketing of e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems. These products had previously been broadly banned under stricter tobacco control rules introduced by the interim government, which expanded the definition of tobacco products and imposed penalties including fines and imprisonment for violations.
In addition to lifting the e-cigarette ban, the government is also planning to remove restrictions on the display of tobacco products at points of sale, which previously required tobacco products to be kept out of sight except during sales transactions. This represents another rollback of earlier tobacco control measures.
The changes are being made following recommendations from a parliamentary special committee that reviewed a large number of ordinances issued during the interim government period. The Health Ministry is now preparing a revised draft of the law that removes the relevant provisions and will submit it for further legislative review.
The proposed move has drawn criticism from public health and anti-tobacco groups, who argue that e-cigarette use is rising rapidly, particularly among young people, and that removing the ban could increase youth nicotine use. Health advocates have urged the government to reconsider and maintain the restrictions in order to protect public health.
Overall, the planned amendment signals a potential shift in Bangladesh’s tobacco and nicotine policy. If implemented, the changes would reopen the e-cigarette market and relax certain tobacco retail restrictions, marking a significant policy reversal from the strict anti-vaping stance adopted in previous legislation.
February 2026: Myanmar Bans E-Cigarettes
Myanmar officially banned the import, sale, possession and use of e-cigarettes, e-shisha and related vaping accessories under authority of the Ministry of Health and the Cabinet, effective from February 18, 2026. The comprehensive prohibition, enforced under the country’s Essential Supplies and Services Law, also covers exportation, storage, distribution and consumption of these products. Health officials cited rising popularity among youth and growing misconceptions that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, stressing that they can damage lungs and contain addictive nicotine and toxic substances.
December 2025: Central Asian Countries and Azerbaijan Move Decisively Toward Vape Bans
Azerbaijan and many Central Asian countries are rapidly converging on some of the world’s strictest approaches to vapes, with outright bans replacing earlier regulatory measures. Most recently, Azerbaijan’s parliament began advancing amendments to its tobacco legislation that would prohibit the import, production, sale, distribution and use of electronic cigarettes and their components, covering both nicotine and non-nicotine products. Lawmakers have framed the move as a public-health response to rising use among young people, marking a decisive shift toward eliminating vaping products from the legal market. The e-cigarette ban is expected to take effect on April 1, 2026.
Several Central Asian republics have already implemented comprehensive bans with clear start dates. In Uzbekistan, nationwide prohibition took effect on November 27, 2025, criminalizing the production, sale, possession and use of e-cigarettes and vape liquids, with severe penalties including fines and possible prison sentences. Kyrgyzstan started enforcing a ban on the import, sale and use of vapes nationwide on July 1, 2025. Kazakhstan, one of the earliest movers in the region, enacted legislation in 2024, with the ban fully enforced through 2025, outlawing the sale, production and import of e-cigarettes and tightening penalties as enforcement continues.
Elsewhere, Tajikistan signaled in December 2025 that it is preparing legislation to ban the use, production and circulation of electronic cigarettes, aligning itself with its neighbors. Taken together, developments since 2024–2025 illustrate a clear regional trend away from regulated access or harm-reduction models and toward full prohibition, placing Azerbaijan and the Central Asian republics among the most restrictive jurisdictions globally for vaping and e-cigarette products.
December 2025: Vietnam strengthens the e-cigarette and heated tobacco ban
Vietnam’s National Assembly officially passed amendments to the Investment Law that will ban the investment and commercial business activities involving e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, with the law set to take effect in 2026. The updated legislation adds these products to the list of prohibited business sectors, effectively outlawing their sale and distribution in Vietnam. Companies with existing projects to manufacture e-cigarette or heated tobacco devices for export that were registered before January 1, 2025 may be handled separately under government regulations.
The move builds on a broader public health policy: in late 2024, the National Assembly adopted a resolution banning the production, import, storage, transport and use of these products in order to protect health and social order, particularly among young people, who are seen as vulnerable to nicotine addiction and associated harms. International organizations such as the World Health Organization have welcomed Vietnam’s approach, noting that these products pose health risks, especially for adolescents, and stressing the importance of closing legal and regulatory loopholes to make the ban effective.
September 2025: Hong Kong passes a tobacco control bill to ban sale of flavored cigarettes
Hong Kong passed a sweeping tobacco control bill, which includes measures to phase out all types of flavored cigarettes and ban smoking in designated public areas, in a bid to further reduce the number of smokers in the city. Hong Kong’s smoking rate stood at 9.1% in 2023, equivalent to about 580,000 daily smokers in the city. The Government had planned to reduce the smoking rate to 7.8% in 2025.
The Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 seeks to ban the sale of non-menthol-flavored cigarettes in the second quarter of 2027. The ban will be extended to menthol-flavored cigarettes at a later stage. Starting from 2026, smoking while queuing in public will be banned, and designated no-smoking areas, such as those outside hospitals, will be expanded. Offenders will face a fine of HK$3,000. Possession and use of e-cigarette cartridges in public will be banned starting from April 30, 2026, following the ban on the import, manufacture, and sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in 2022. Other measures include increasing penalties for offences relating to smuggling tobacco products and introducing a duty stamp regime for imported cigarettes.
September 2025: Malaysia is preparing to implement a nationwide ban on vaping products
Malaysia is preparing to implement a nationwide ban on vaping products, with the Health Minister confirming that the move will be rolled out in phases. The initial step will target open-system devices, which allow users to refill them with any e-liquid, before eventually extending to all vape products. The Ministry of Health is finalizing a Cabinet paper on the policy, which will be submitted for approval once discussions with other government agencies are concluded. While no clear timeline has been given, the government has framed the measure as a public health intervention designed to curb misuse and reduce vaping among youth.
Even before a federal ban, several states – including Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah, and Pahang – had already stopped issuing or renewing vape sales licences. Despite these restrictions, vape shops continue to operate, reflecting the scale and resilience of the market. The Malaysian Vape Chamber of Commerce estimates that the industry was worth RM 3.48 billion (US$830 million) in 2023, up significantly from RM 2.27 billion in 2019, underlining the sector’s rapid growth. Many shops also cater to cross-border customers from Singapore, where vaping is strictly prohibited.
The government’s push for prohibition has sparked controversy. Health advocates argue that a full ban is necessary to prevent long-term health harms and to stop a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine. However, retailers and industry groups warn that outlawing a market of this size risks fueling an expansive black market, leaving consumers exposed to unregulated and potentially dangerous products. There are also legal complexities, as Malaysia’s Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 created regulatory expectations that companies may claim as a basis for challenging an outright ban. This tension between public health goals, economic interests, and regulatory consistency underscores the challenges Malaysia faces as it tries to eliminate vaping while balancing enforcement capacity and legal risk.
July 2025: Conditional approvals were given to 14 heated tobacco products in Taiwan
Fourteen heated tobacco products from two unclosed tobacco companies were conditionally approved following the completion of the health risk assessment mandated by 2023 Amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention. Seven companies had submitted applications, including Philip Morris International (IQOS) and Japan Tobacco (Ploom).
Approved products will be considered legal only after distributors receive official notice of the decision and implement required labeling and packaging changes. Conditions under which the products were approved include access prevention for youth and pregnant and ban of sales to people under 20. The Health Promotion Administration (HPA) will monitor sales channels and enforce the regulations.
The Companies are required to contract a third party to monitor and research their products’ impact in the market (“post-launch surveillance”) and submit annual reports on heated tobacco product use, rate of abuse, rate of addiction and other risks linked to the use of the approved product. The HPA must be notified immediately if the companies identify factors that increase the likelihood of addiction and any changes to manufacturing processes would require a reassessment of the products.
The Customs Administration stated that travelers are still barred from bringing heated tobacco products into Taiwan even if the authorities move forward with conditional approval for commercial imports. Potential changes to personal import rules remain under discussion between government agencies.
June 2025: UAE legalizes the sale of nicotine pouches
UAE legalizes the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches, effective July 29, 2025, as a way to provide smokers with alternative options for quitting. The new regulations include product standards, age restrictions, labeling requirements, and advertising restrictions. The nicotine content is capped at 16.6mg per pouch and products must carry clear labeling with nicotine content, health warnings, and instructions to use. The minimum age for purchasing nicotine pouches is set as 18 and promotions targeting minors or on platforms frequented by young audiences are prohibited.
June 2025: Health risk assessment on heated tobacco products in Taiwan
Health risk assessment on heated tobacco products is set to be completed within three months in Taiwan. All heated tobacco products currently circulating on the market are classified as “illicit tobacco” and the health assessment procedure and must rely on scientific evidence, necessitating a cautious approach, stated the Ministry of Health. Seven companies, including Philip Morris International (PMI), have submitted applications, with some in the final stages of review. Ministry also confirmed that cannabis and e-cigarettes will remain illegal. Meanwhile, lawmakers raised concerns about the efficiency and cost of the review process.
April 2025: Hong Kong will prohibit the possession of alternative smoking products
The Hong Kong Government submitted the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 to the Legislative Council to implement a new phase of tobacco control measures1. The eight short-term tobacco control measures that require legislative amendments include: introduction of a duty-paid cigarette labelling system (full implementation in Q2 2027), increasing penalties for untaxed tobacco, prohibition of possession of alternative smoking products, implementation of unified packaging for traditional smoking products, prohibition of smoking while queuing, expansion of smoke-free areas, prohibition of providing smoking products to minors and prohibition of flavors other than mint.
The legislative amendments seek to prohibit the possession of alternative smoking substances (i.e. vape cartridges, heated tobacco sticks and herbal cigarettes) in public places from April 30, 2026 and introduce a fixed penalty of HK$3,000 for possession of small amounts of alternative smoking substances not for commercial purposes.
580k people (i.e. 9.1% of the people aged 15 and above) smoke on a daily basis in Hong Kong (2023 data). The measures aim to further reduce the smoking rate in the City.
March 2025: Hong Kong plans a ban on vaping by mid-2026
The importation, manufacturing and sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products is banned in Hong Kong since April 2022. Those who import e-cigarettes can be charged with a HK$2 million fine and up to seven years in jail, while sellers and manufacturers can face a six-month jail term. However, the current law does not cover the personal possession and use of e-cigarettes and vaping remains fairly common in Hong Kong.
In order to clamp down on e-cigarette use, Hong Kongese Government proposed a ban on the possession and use of e-cigarettes in public. The new ban will first be enforced in outdoor public spaces before eventually expanding to indoor areas in Hong Kong. The proposal will be submitted to the legislature in April 2025 with the aim of being enforced by mid-2026.
January 2025: Vietnam Halts All Customs Processing for E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products Under New National Decree
The General Department of Customs in Vietnam has issued an urgent directive to all provincial customs authorities nationwide, ordering an immediate cessation of all import and export processing for electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Effective January 1, 2025, the sweeping mandate applies not only to finished consumer products but also directly covers all components, hardware, and raw chemical materials used in the domestic manufacture and assembly of these devices.
The emergency customs decree stems directly from Resolution No. 173/2024/QH15, a landmark legislative measure passed by the 15th National Assembly on November 30, 2024. The legislative pivot marks a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to halt the cross-border flow of unverified, novel nicotine systems that public health officials warn heavily target Vietnamese youth. To ensure total regulatory compliance and prepare for upcoming market enforcement, provincial authorities have also been instructed to conduct comprehensive audits and compile detailed statistics on any remaining stockpiles of these prohibited products currently sitting within their respective regional jurisdictions2.
December 2024: Turkey Moves to Crush Illicit Vape Trade with Heavy Prison Sentences and Stricter Tobacco Rules
Turkey’s ruling party is drafting sweeping new legislation aimed at dismantling the rampant underground market for electronic cigarettes. While the importation, sale, distribution, and advertising of e-cigarettes have long been prohibited under national law, the new bill introduces severe criminal liabilities to deter the country’s persistent illicit trade.
Under the proposed framework, individuals found guilty of the illegal production, distribution, commercial sale, or logistics and transportation of e-cigarettes and their associated components will face mandatory prison sentences ranging from 3 to 6 years. By treating vaping contraband under strict anti-smuggling and illicit manufacturing laws, the government plans to target large-scale supply chains alongside retail and online distributors.
Beyond the direct crackdown on the vapor sector, the legislative package incorporates broader public health and tobacco control measures. Key provisions include an unprecedented requirement to print explicit health warnings directly onto cigarette rolling papers and filters, targeting consumer visibility at the exact point of consumption. Additionally, the bill introduces a strict license revocation penalty for businesses caught repeatedly selling traditional tobacco or nicotine products to minors. The aggressive legal overhaul reflects an intensifying state initiative to close existing enforcement loopholes, protect youth from nicotine exposure, and heavily penalize black-market operators bypassing the country’s strict prohibitory laws.
December 2024: Vietnam Enacts Full Ban on E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products to Safeguard Public Health
The National Assembly of Vietnam has officially approved a comprehensive resolution to execute a total ban on the production, trading, importation, storage, transportation, and use of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products nationwide. Passed by an overwhelming legislative majority, the strict prohibitory framework is scheduled to take effect across the country from 2025.
The blanket ban stems directly from mounting public health alarms raised by the Ministry of Health over the severe, long-term toxicological impacts of novel nicotine products, which scientific evaluations have heavily linked to cardiovascular damage, lung diseases, and severe psychotic disorders. Vietnamese lawmakers took decisive action to prioritize the physical and neurological development of the nation’s youth, citing a troubling escalation in adolescent usage rates where candy-flavored vapor devices have threatened to wipe out a decade of state progress in reducing traditional smoking. By implementing a total ban rather than a partial regulatory standard, the government aims to eliminate consumer access completely while preventing multinational tobacco networks from cementing a permanent commercial foothold in the domestic market.
To guarantee rigid enforcement, the National Assembly has specifically requested the Government to mobilize inter-agency resources and structurally organize the nationwide rollout of the new mandate. A key pillar of the strategy requires state authorities to sharply scale up educational initiatives to heighten public awareness regarding the hazardous health effects of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco alternatives. Recognizing the high likelihood of black-market resistance, the National Assembly emphasized that the implementation framework must incorporate aggressive new regulations to tightly control, track, and penalize illegal trading activities, authorizing border guards, customs departments, and police forces to systematically dismantle underground supply chains and unauthorized retail networks.
November 2024: Vietnam will ban all new nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco
The Ministry of Health has put forth a resolution prohibiting the importation, sale, distribution and advertisement of all new-generation tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, in response to growing concerns over the health risks associated with these products3. The Ministry’s plan includes public education campaigns, stricter regulations on e-cigarette access and heavier penalties on violators. According to the Ministry of Education & Training, e-cigarette use among students has spiked significantly, from 2.6% in 2019 to 8% in 2023.
October 2024: Maldives bans e-cigarettes
Maldives announced a ban on all vaping products which will be implemented in two phases4: importation of vapes and individual vaping device parts will be banned from November, 15, 2024 onwards and the use, possession, production, sale, advertisement & distribution of all vaping products will be banned from December, 15, 2024 onwards. According to the Maldives Customs Service, Rf104.6 million (US$6.8 million) worth of vapes (e-cigarettes) have been imported to the Maldives in the 6-year period between 2018 and 2023 – and Rf19.5 million (US$1.3 million) in the first 7 months of 2024 alone.
The decision comes following an overwhelming amount of requests from the public and health service providers – including the NDC (Non-Communicable Disease) Alliance, an organisation combatting non-communicable diseases in the country, Doctors Association, Nurses Association and various sports associations.
July 2024: Indonesia raises minimum legal age to 21
Indonesia raises the minimum legal age for sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 as part of a series of regulations intended to curb smoking. Moreover, single stick sales and sale of cigarettes within 200 meters of schools and playgrounds are banned. These provisions take effect immediately.
The new regulation also bans conventional and e-cigarette sales on commercial electronic applications and social media sites, unless there is age verification. Advertising cigarettes on social media is also banned. Penalties for violations range from a written reprimand to a temporary ban on advertising cigarettes. The new provisions on advertising will come into force in two years.
Indonesia is home to about 70 million adult smokers and is the second largest cigarette market in the world, after China, with close to 300 billion sticks annual sales volume. Indonesia is also Philip Morris International (PMI)’s single largest market with 83.4 billion sticks sold in 2023.
July 2024: Philippines Suspends Online Vape Sales to Strengthen Youth Access Controls
The government of the Philippines ordered an immediate suspension of online sales of vape products following an administrative directive issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on July 20, 2024. The measure reflects a stricter enforcement approach aimed at limiting minors’ access to vapor products through digital channels. The decision is grounded in the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act (Republic Act No. 11900), which establishes a regulatory framework for vapor products and explicitly mandates safeguards to prevent underage access, particularly in online retail environments.
To support implementation, the DTI has been coordinating with relevant government agencies to intensify monitoring of the vape sector and enforce compliance with the law. Since the establishment of a multi-agency task force in April 2024, authorities have issued 78 violation notices and confiscated large volumes of non-compliant vape products.
The suspension underscores a tightening enforcement stance within an existing regulatory framework, with a particular focus on digital sales channels as a key area of youth protection policy.
May 2024: South Korea Moves to Regulate Synthetic Nicotine Under Tobacco Laws
The government of South Korea announced plans to amend its tobacco-related legislation to include synthetic nicotine within the legal definition of tobacco. The move is aimed at closing a regulatory gap and curbing the growing popularity of synthetic nicotine products, particularly among younger consumers.
Tobacco regulation in South Korea is governed by two principal frameworks: the National Health Promotion Act, overseen by the Ministry of Health, and the Tobacco Business Act, administered by the Ministry of Finance. Under the current legal definition, tobacco products are those manufactured using tobacco leaves in a form suitable for smoking, inhalation, chewing, or other forms of consumption. As a result, e-liquids containing synthetic nicotine – produced without tobacco leaf inputs – have remained outside the scope of existing controls.
This regulatory gap has meant that synthetic nicotine products are not subject to key oversight measures, including health warning requirements, restrictions on sales to minors, and tobacco-related taxation. The proposed amendment seeks to align these products with conventional tobacco regulations, extending both public health safeguards and fiscal measures to the category. The decision to pursue legislative revision follows increasing policy attention on the segment, including developments involving British American Tobacco, which has indicated it is considering the launch of a synthetic nicotine product in the South Korean market.
The proposed reform reflects a targeted effort to modernize the regulatory framework in response to evolving product innovation, ensuring that emerging nicotine categories do not remain outside the scope of established tobacco control measures.
April 2024: Kazakhstan Bans E-Cigarettes Amid Rising Youth Use
Kazakhstan enacted legislation banning the sale, distribution, and promotion of e-cigarettes, reflecting heightened concern over the increasing use of nicotine-containing products among young people. The law adopts a broad definition of e-cigarettes, covering non-smoking tobacco products, vapes, flavors, and related liquids. The measure establishes a comprehensive prohibition across the value chain, targeting both commercial activity and market visibility. It is set to enter into force 60 days after its official publication, allowing a short transition period for compliance.
The legislation also introduces a tiered penalty structure, with stricter sanctions for upstream actors:
– Distributors and retailers face fines of up to KZT 738,000 (approximately $1,650), or alternative penalties including up to 200 hours of community service or short-term detention of up to 50 days
– Manufacturers and importers are subject to significantly higher penalties, with fines of up to KZT 7.4 million (approximately $15,600), or up to 600 hours of community service, or imprisonment for up to two years.
The policy represents a decisive shift toward a prohibition-based framework, combining broad product scope with meaningful enforcement provisions, and underscoring the government’s focus on curbing youth access to emerging nicotine products.
January 2024: Taiwan Reinforces Restrictive Stance on Heated Tobacco
Authorities in Taiwan reiterated a highly restrictive approach to heated tobacco products, underscoring that such products remain effectively prohibited unless they receive prior approval from the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MoHW) based on a formal health risk assessment. To date, no heated tobacco product has been authorized under this framework, leaving the category closed to legal market entry.
This regulatory environment has direct implications for industry participants, including Philip Morris International (PMI), which has been seeking approval to introduce its IQOS device in Taiwan. As of late 2023, the company had already indicated delays to a potential launch, reflecting the uncertainty and stringency of the approval process.
In a January 2024 public statement, the MoHW further reinforced its position by advising consumers – particularly young people – not to use or experiment with heated tobacco products. The ministry emphasized several key points underpinning its cautious stance:
– Heated tobacco products are not considered less addictive than conventional cigarettes, citing evidence suggesting comparable or higher nicotine exposure
– Existing research does not demonstrate that switching to heated tobacco leads to complete smoking cessation
– The aerosol produced contains nicotine and may pose risks to brain development in youth, as well as to fetal development during pregnancy
– Emissions include harmful and potentially carcinogenic substances, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and nitrosamines.
The MoHW also reiterated that, under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention framework, non-approved heated tobacco products cannot be manufactured, imported, marketed, sold, or used. The MoHW communication signals a firm regulatory posture that not only maintains market access barriers but also actively discourages consumer uptake, further diminishing near-term prospects for commercialization of heated tobacco products in Taiwan.
December 2023: Laos Moves to Ban E-Cigarettes Through Drug Control Framework
Laos signaled its intention to prohibit e-cigarettes by incorporating them into the list of banned substances under its drug prevention and control legislation. The move represents a notable escalation in regulatory approach, placing vaping products within the same legal framework as controlled or illicit substances. With this step, Laos is set to become the fifth member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to impose a ban on e-cigarettes, following Brunei, Cambodia, Singapore, and Thailand. This aligns the country with a group of regional peers that have adopted highly restrictive, prohibition-based policies toward vaping.
The proposed amendment reflects a precautionary stance driven by public health concerns and a desire to prevent the uptake of emerging nicotine products. By embedding e-cigarettes within drug control legislation, the government signals a strict enforcement posture and limited tolerance for market development. The initiative also underscores a broader regional pattern in parts of Southeast Asia, where authorities continue to favor outright bans over regulated market frameworks for next-generation nicotine products.
April 2023: Malaysia Legalizes Liquid Nicotine While Introducing Excise Tax
Malaysia took a significant and somewhat controversial step by removing liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes from the list of controlled substances under the Poisons Act 1952. This regulatory change effectively legalized the sale of nicotine-containing vaping products, ending a legal constraint that had previously limited their availability. Concurrently, the government introduced an excise duty of 40 sen per millilitre on e-liquids, effective April 1, 2023. This move signaled an intention to capture fiscal revenues from a rapidly growing segment, even as broader regulatory structures were still under development.
The policy reflects a dual-track approach – liberalizing market access while initiating taxation – highlighting the challenges of aligning public health regulation with fiscal and market considerations in the evolving nicotine landscape.
January 2023: Taiwan Tightens Tobacco Control with Ban on E-Cigarettes and Higher Legal Age
Lawmakers in Taiwan approved amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, introducing a more stringent regulatory framework for both traditional and next-generation nicotine products. The reforms reflect a decisive shift toward tighter public health safeguards in a market that had previously faced regulatory gaps around emerging products.
A central element of the amendments is the outright ban on e-cigarettes, effectively prohibiting their manufacture, import, sale, and use. At the same time, heated tobacco products are permitted only under strict conditions, requiring pre-market authorization and full compliance with the revised law. This establishes a differentiated approach between product categories, combining prohibition with conditional regulation. The legislation also raises the legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 20, aligning with broader efforts to curb youth access and reduce initiation rates.
The amendments represent a comprehensive strengthening of Taiwan’s tobacco control regime, combining stricter access restrictions with a clear regulatory stance on emerging nicotine products, grounded in public health considerations.
November 2022: Vietnam Moves Toward Comprehensive Ban on E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco
The Ministry of Health in Vietnam has proposed a sweeping ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, reflecting growing concern over the rapid uptake of these products – particularly among youth – and their associated health risks. The proposal marks a significant escalation from earlier regulatory ambiguity toward a more precautionary, prohibition-based approach.
The ministry’s recommendation emphasizes the addictive nature of nicotine products and the potential for long-term public health harm, positioning vaping and heated tobacco within the broader tobacco control framework. It also signals the government’s intent to pre-empt further market expansion by restricting both supply and use. The initiative represents a clear shift in regulatory direction, indicating a more cautious and restrictive stance toward next-generation nicotine products, driven primarily by public health considerations.
August 2022: Thailand Weighs – but Ultimately Maintains – E-Cigarette Ban
In early 2022, media reports indicated that Thailand was considering the potential legalization of e-cigarettes, signaling a possible shift in one of the region’s most restrictive vaping regimes. The country, home to an estimated 10 million smokers, has prohibited e-cigarettes since 2014, with enforcement measures that include strict penalties for importation, sale, and possession.
The discussion emerged amid broader regulatory developments in Southeast Asia, notably in the Philippines, where lawmakers had recently advanced a more permissive framework through the “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act,” reflecting a more harm-reduction-oriented approach to nicotine policy.
Despite this initial policy debate, Thailand ultimately reaffirmed its restrictive stance. In August 2022, authorities confirmed that the ban on e-cigarettes would remain in place, citing ongoing public health concerns and the desire to prevent youth uptake. The decision underscored the government’s continued preference for a precautionary regulatory approach, even as neighboring markets explore more liberalized frameworks.
Overall, the episode highlights a brief period of policy reconsideration that did not translate into regulatory change, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a strictly anti-vaping jurisdiction within the region.
References:
- https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202504/25/P2025042500383.htm ↩︎
- https://vtv.vn/kinh-te/tong-cuc-hai-quan-yeu-cau-dung-nhap-khau-thuoc-la-dien-tu-20250105172437083.htm ↩︎
- https://vietnamnews.vn/society/1666151/viet-nam-cracks-down-on-new-generation-tobacco-products.html ↩︎
- https://edition.mv/news/36736 ↩︎
