China’s tobacco regulator has undergone a top leadership change, according to an official announcement on March 20.

China has launched mandatory national standards work for heated cigarettes and nicotine pouches, further formalizing regulation of both categories. The move may help lay groundwork for future market entry, but does not signal imminent domestic commercialization.

Shenzhen tobacco authorities have asked licensed Chinese vape manufacturers to submit STN details for U.S.-bound products, including CTP Portal or STN email screenshots, highlighting a new compliance signal in cross-border oversight.

China’s top tobacco regulator has issued a directive aimed at preventing excess capacity and curbing “involution-style” competition in the e-cigarette sector. The notice tightens investment controls, formalizes verified capacity management and requires exporters to submit compliance proof for destination markets, signaling a push toward higher industry concentration and stricter cross-border oversight.