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Majority of French smokers turning to cross-border and illegal markets as prices rise, study finds

A majority of French smokers are now sourcing tobacco and vaping products outside traditional retail channels, with many turning to cross-border shopping or illicit markets as prices increase, according to a new national survey. The Ifop study of 3,000 smokers and vapers…

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EU backlash grows over Spain’s nicotine pouch restrictions

A widening coalition of EU member states is pushing back against Spain’s plans to impose sweeping restrictions on nicotine pouches and other smoke-free products, warning Brussels against adopting similar measures across the bloc. The latest objections target Madrid’s updated proposal and follow…

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Vaping to be regulated like smoking as Spain tightens health laws in 2026

Vaping in Spain is set to face its toughest regulatory reset to date, with proposed legislation that would place vapes under the same legal framework as combustible tobacco. The changes form part of a broader package of health reforms moving through Parliament,…

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Spain’s proposed vape crackdown sparks tourism industry backlash

Spain’s planned crackdown on vaping is facing pushback from regulators and hospitality groups, with warnings that a disposable vape ban could damage competition, confuse tourists and yield little public health benefit. Regulator urges alternatives to vape ban Concerns intensified after the National…

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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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Belgium confirms outdoor smoking and vaping ban from 2027

Belgium will ban smoking and vaping on public terraces and in designated smoking rooms from 1 January 2027. The federal government says the measure covers restaurant and café terraces as well as smoking rooms in airports, hospitality venues and clubs that cater…

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Spain to ban vaping and smoking on beaches, bar terraces and stadiums

Spain is preparing a sweeping outdoor ban on both smoking and vaping. The draft law would outlaw their use on bar and restaurant terraces, beaches, stadiums, bus stops, children’s play areas and sports centres. Vapes, heated tobacco, shisha and nicotine pouches would…

News Science

STUDY: Flavour bans make things worse

Flavor bans for vaping are associated with increased cigarette use and black-market activity, including the risk of youth access and reduced consumer safety, according to a new policy paper from the Tholos Foundation. The report draws on a combination of academic literature,…

News Legislation

EXCLUSIVE: BRUSSELS TO RAISE TAX ON VAPES, POUCHES AND IQOS

Update 12/06/2025: The leaked impact assessment is available to download here The European Commission is planning to require massive tax hikes on vapes, pouches and heated tobacco products like iQOS, according to a leaked impact assessment seen by Clearing the Air.…

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