Thailand Launches 'QR Cigarettes' System for Tracking Tobacco Supply Chain.

Philip Morris International (PMI) and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli have launched “Believe. Further,” a multi-year communications platform targeting cultural, institutional and business audiences in Europe, as PMI says smoke-free products accounted for 43% of its net revenues as of the first quarter of 2026.

British American Tobacco’s (BAT) nicotine pouch brand Velo has released a global consumer study and launched its “Echoes of Tomorrowland” campaign with electronic music festival brand Tomorrowland. The research surveyed 2,009 nicotine users across the UK, Spain, Pakistan, Poland and Austria. Velo said 61% of respondents feel more comfortable expressing themselves when they see others doing the same, while 39% said building meaningful connections becomes harder with age. The campaign reflects how nicotine pouch brands are increasingly using music, communities and lifestyle marketing to build consumer engagement.

South Korea’s new vape regulations are reshaping the e-liquid market, raising compliance requirements for manufacturers, retailers and overseas suppliers. In an interview with 2Firsts, Korean nicotine products specialist Sam Kim discusses licensing barriers, inventory impacts, China-linked supply chains, and emerging regulatory challenges around nicotine analogues, nicotine-free products and DIY mixing. The Korean case may offer broader insights as governments worldwide adapt to rapidly evolving nicotine products.

APUS has introduced the Chloe 50K disposable vape, which has appeared across U.S.-facing online retail channels including Element Vape and Vapesourcing. The device combines a purse-inspired body and chain attachment with a 20ml e-liquid capacity, 1,250mAh rechargeable battery, dual mesh coil, and battery and e-liquid indicators. It is rated for up to 50,000 puffs. The product does not appear on the FDA’s current list of authorized e-cigarettes, and U.S. retail availability does not indicate FDA marketing authorization.

YOOZ has introduced the Waker Electronic Shisha device, expanding its vaping portfolio into the electronic shisha category. The device combines a rechargeable hardware platform with dedicated cartridges, featuring a 4,000mAh battery, up to 60W output power, and LED lighting effects. The product has appeared across multiple French retail channels, reflecting the continued expansion of vaping products into new consumption scenarios.

JAMA has published a Special Communication offering systematic recommendations for U.S.-based clinicians on the use of nicotine e-cigarettes in adult smoking cessation. Developed by the Harm Reduction Workgroup of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco’s Treatment Research Network, the paper recommends including e-cigarettes alongside FDA-approved cessation medications in risk-benefit discussions. It cites high-certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes achieve higher quit rates than nicotine replacement therapy and evidence suggesting efficacy comparable to highly effective medications such as varenicline and cytisine. For adults who choose vaping to quit, the authors recommend FDA-authorized products, sufficient nicotine delivery and a rapid, complete transition away from cigarettes rather than prolonged dual use.