As the UK prepares to introduce its first-ever vape tax in 2026, questions are growing about how the measure will reshape the country’s harm reduction landscape. IBVTA tells 2Firsts that while it was not in favour of the new duty, it accepts that it is being implemented and is working with regulators to ensure a smooth rollout — warning, however, that higher costs could slow smokers’ transition to safer alternatives.

As the EU finalizes its Cardiovascular Health Plan, public feedback reveals a sharp divide over nicotine policy.A 2Firsts analysis of 677 submissions found that nearly one in four mentioned tobacco — highlighting tension between strict control and harm reduction approaches.

At the InterTabac trade show in Dortmund, Philip Drögemüller, Managing Director of Germany’s Smoke-Free Alliance (BfTG), spoke with 2Firsts. He said Germany’s vaping market still has substantial potential, but the industry faces policy uncertainty and compliance pressure. The association urges companies to operate compliantly and to shift from disposable products to rechargeable systems as early as possible to prepare for the structural adjustments brought by the EU battery rules in 2027.

During InterTabac 2025, 2Firsts spoke with the German vaping trade association (Verband des eZigarettenhandels e. V. (VdeH)). The association noted that while Germany’s market continues to grow, the black market may account for nearly half of total volume; disposables are reshaping retail channels. VdeH is firmly opposed to flavor bans and disposable bans, arguing such measures would expand the black market and drive users back to cigarettes.

At InterTabac 2025, Vabeen CEO Shuai told 2Firsts that Vabeen has launched two flagship products—the multi-flavor pod-mod iPlex and the open-system Billow Pro—while showcasing a complete lineup spanning disposables, pod systems, and open systems. In his view, Vabeen treats “compliance-first” as a long-term strategy and sees strict regulation as an opportunity for industry upgrading. Over the next two to three years, Vabeen will continue to focus on three pillars—compliance, user experience, and