Tim Hong - Clearing the Air

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French MPs challenge nicotine pouch ban in new budget battle

France’s planned ban on nicotine pouches from next spring could be in jeopardy after a series of amendments were tabled in the National Assembly aimed at softening or replacing the measure. The prohibition, due to take effect in March 2026, is part…

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Banned disposable vapes still sold as UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill faces scrutiny

Disposable vapes are still being sold openly in the UK despite a nationwide ban, a new investigation has found. The findings come as the government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill faces detailed scrutiny in the House of Lords, where peers are examining new…

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Sweden is Europe’s first smoke-free nation as Scotland’s progress stalls

Sweden has become the first country in Europe to achieve smoke-free status, while smoking rates in Scotland have stalled amid restrictions on vaping and a decline in cessation funding. Sweden reaches smoke-free milestone On October 25, 2025, Sweden reached smoke-free status, meaning…

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Sweden warns France and Spain over ‘absurd’ pouch bans

Sweden has stepped up its opposition to proposed nicotine pouch bans in France and Spain, sending formal letters to both governments and calling the measures “absurd.” The correspondence, signed by Swedish trade minister Benjamin Dousa and dated 24 September, urges Paris and…

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Canadian province targets vape companies with new cost recovery law

British Columbia has become the first province in Canada to table legislation that would allow it to recover healthcare costs from vape companies accused of misleading the public. Attorney General Niki Sharma announced the move in Victoria last week, describing it as…

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NI backs vaping to cut prison smoking as Republic drives up vape costs

Northern Ireland’s justice minister has floated a pilot vaping scheme for prisoners - as the Republic of Ireland doubles vape prices with a new tax from November. Prison smoking exemption under scrutiny Almost 20 years after Northern Ireland’s workplace smoking ban came…

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EU vows vape tax hike as officials liken vapes to cigarettes

The European Union (EU) is preparing to hike taxes on vapes to the same level as cigarettes, as top commissioners draw direct comparisons between the two products - a move critics say ignores science. Brussels targets vapes in new tax overhaul At…

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Exclusive: EU Commission Leak Points to Full Crackdown on Nicotine Pouches

A leak has revealed that the European Commission is preparing a set of proposals on nicotine pouches that could redefine the EU’s approach to tobacco harm reduction. The documents suggest measures far more restrictive than current WHO guidance, with serious implications for…

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Malaysia plans nationwide vape ban by mid-2026

Malaysia is set to roll out a nationwide ban on vaping by the middle of next year, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has confirmed. The prohibition will apply to both the sale and use of vapes and e-liquids, and is expected to be…

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