2FIRSTS Headline | Global Vape Industry News; Latest Industry Insights

UK Retailers Urge Government to Include Age-Verification Tech in Tobacco and Vapes Bill

UK convenience retailers have written to several government ministers urging the adoption of age-verification technology in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The letter, led by Atul Sodha of Londis, Harefield, and co-signed by 29 other shop owners, calls for a “triple lock” approach combining manufacturer tech, retailer vigilance, and user-level verification to curb youth access.

Nov.28

Russian lawmakers propose total ban on e-cigarette sales, in response to Putin's call for protection of youth health

Russian Duma members propose nationwide ban on e-cigarette sales in response to Putin's call for youth health protection.

Nov.28

Complete Vape Prohibition Takes Effect Across Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has enacted a nationwide ban on the sale and circulation of e-cigarettes and related vape liquids, following the approval of a new law signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The legislation introduces criminal liability for violations, with penalties including fines of 300 to 500 basic calculation units (approximately US$10,300–17,200), corrective labor for up to three years, or imprisonment for up to five years.

Nov.28

JTI Plans New Factory in Romania, Set for Completion in 2027

JTI has announced plans to build a new factory in Ștefăneștii de Jos to replace its current Bucharest site, which faces space constraints. The project is expected to be completed in 2027, with ground works starting soon. The company highlighted ongoing efforts to expand capacity and modernize its Romanian operations.

Nov.28

Product | OXVA launches Artio 2 liquid-tobacco pod device, positioned as distinct from HNB and traditional flavored e-cigarettes

OXVA has released its Artio 2 pod device featuring the Liquid Tobacco Intelligent (LTI) platform. It offers around 400 puffs per charge, pods equivalent to about 35 cigarettes, five tobacco and shisha flavors, and a 900mAh battery with 30-minute fast charging. The company positions the device as distinct from HNB and traditional flavored e-cigarettes.

Nov.27

UK Retailers Urge Government to Include Age-Verification Tech in Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Nov.28

Russian lawmakers propose total ban on e-cigarette sales, in response to Putin's call for protection of youth health

Russian Duma members propose nationwide ban on e-cigarette sales in response to Putin's call for youth health protection.

Nov.28

Complete Vape Prohibition Takes Effect Across Uzbekistan

Nov.28

JTI Plans New Factory in Romania, Set for Completion in 2027

Nov.28

Product | OXVA launches Artio 2 liquid-tobacco pod device, positioned as distinct from HNB and traditional flavored e-cigarettes

Nov.27

Morrisons Partners with Vape Retailer to Open Concessions in 400+ Stores

According to The Grocer, Morrisons has reached an agreement with The E-Cig Store to open vaping concessions in more than 400 supermarkets. The first unit will open next month in Rotherham. The deal will expand compliant vaping product offerings and follows Morrisons’ ongoing cooperation with rival retailer VPZ.

Nov.28

Smoore International Donates $5 Million Hong Kong Dollars to Big Fire Disaster Area for Medical Aid and Relief

Smoore International donates HK$5 million to aid Big Bay fire victims, marking its first charity donation in 2025.

Nov.28

Philippine police seize illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes worth USD 206,400, arrest four suspects

CIDG-Laguna Provincial Field Unit seizes $200k worth of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes, arrests four suspects. PNP vows to continue crackdown.

Nov.28

Russia's Perm Legislators Approve Full Ban on Vape Products in Regional Retail Market

2Firsts, November 28, 2025 — The Legislative Assembly of Perm Krai has passed a law banning the retail sale of vape products and other nicotine-aerosol devices, effective March 1, 2026. Individuals found selling such items will face fines between ₽15,000–₽20,000 (about US $180–240), while companies face ₽50,000–₽100,000 (about US $600–1,200). The ban covers all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), heated-tobacco devices, and their components, regardless of nicotine content.

Nov.28

Lawmakers Push to Include E-Cigarettes in Vietnam’s Revised Investment Law Ban

Vietnam’s National Assembly has debated amendments to the Investment Law that would include e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) in the list of prohibited business activities. Lawmakers supported a total ban consistent with WHO recommendations and previous National Assembly resolutions, citing rising youth addiction rates. Finance Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng confirmed that the ban would apply comprehensively, with a short transition period for foreign factories.

Nov.27

UK to Implement e-cigarette Product Tax and Stamp Plan from October 1, 2026

HMRC announces e-cigarette tax stamp plan to combat illicit trade starting October 1, 2026 alongside VPD policy enforcement.

Nov.27

Singapore Joint Enforcement Operation Catches 8 Youths for E-Cigarette Offences, Covering 12 Institutes of Higher Learning Nationwide

8 youths aged 18-24 were caught for e-cigarette offenses, with enforcement jointly carried out by HSA and IHLs.

Nov.27

China Opens 2026 National E-Cigarette Standards Project for Public Submissions

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) jointly announced the launch of the 2026 National Standardization Project for E-cigarettes. The initiative, coordinated by the National Technical Committee on Standardization of E-cigarettes, aims to enhance the industry’s regulatory framework through new standards on manufacturing, storage, distribution, and evaluation.

Nov.27

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