European Union - Clearing the Air

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New Zealand nears smoke-free status thanks to vaping, says minister

New Zealand is on the cusp of becoming one of the first countries to go officially smoke-free - and it’s thanks to vaping and other safer nicotine alternatives, according to its Associate Minister of Health. In a passionate parliamentary speech, Casey Costello…

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French nicotine pouch ban on hold amid EU backlash

France has once again delayed its ban on nicotine pouches, pushing enforcement to August 25 after seven European Union (EU) countries filed formal objections. Originally scheduled to take effect on May 26, the proposed ban would outlaw the production, sale, import, export,…

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EU countries call for vaping crackdown in push for updated tobacco laws

Health ministers from across the European Union (EU) have called for a tougher stance on vapes and nicotine pouches, urging the European Commission to speed up long-delayed revisions to the bloc’s tobacco laws. At a meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health…

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SnapChat threatened with legal action in the Netherlands over vape sales

A Dutch anti-smoking group has threatened SnapChat with legal action, accusing the social media platform of enabling illicit vape sales to minors. Stichting Rookpreventie Jeugd claims SnapChat is failing to comply with European Union (EU) digital safety rules. Although flavoured vapes have…

News Legislation

Bulgaria’s blanket ban on vapes awaits Brussels approval

Bulgaria is on the brink of banning all vapes with the crackdown awaiting the go-ahead from Brussels. The move has sparked concern among harm reduction advocates, who warn it could reverse hard-won progress in reducing smoking rates. The proposed legislation - which…

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Vape flavours are a vital and effective tool helping smokers make the life-saving switch, top cardiologist says

A leading global health expert is urging governments to rethink their approach to safer nicotine products, warning that outdated policies and misconceptions about flavours are costing millions of lives. Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos, a cardiologist and tobacco harm reduction researcher from Greece, says…

News Legislation

Sweden challenges French proposed nicotine pouch ban

The Swedish government has formally opposed France’s proposed ban on nicotine pouches. Following a similar legal challenge earlier this year against Spanish legislation to restrict nicotine pouches, Sweden has submitted a ‘Detailed Opinion’ to the European Union (EU) contesting France’s draft decree. …

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Mexico’s crackdown on safer nicotine alternatives is costing thousands of lives, says global report

Mexico’s hardline approach to safer nicotine products is fueling a smoking crisis that claims 65,000 lives every year, according to a major new international report. The groundbreaking study, conducted by global health experts, highlights a sharp contrast between two nations. While Sweden…

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Poland’s proposed law to restrict nicotine passes major hurdle

Poland’s draft Bill to heavily restrict the sale and contents of nicotine pouches has been unanimously approved by Parliament’s lower house. Members of the Sejm voted overwhelmingly in favour of the government’s proposal to introduce a tight regulatory framework for nicotine pouches. …

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