Changes to the Trump administration’s import tariffs, and discussion of their possible effects, continued to be a major issue in vape sector news for the last month. However, there were also other important developments which should not be overlooked. These included some possible new restrictions in Europe, and several actions in Asia indicating that some governments are taking a strong position against vaping.
EU News
The European Commission may intend to propose higher taxes on alternative nicotine products by the summer, according to an unconfirmed report. The report referred to a private EU meeting where the matter was discussed. It is believed that the proposed taxes would add as much as €3 to the price of a 10 ml bottle of e-liquid. However, some people in the Commission are reportedly sceptical about imposing higher prices on consumers at a time of economic uncertainty.
Six EU member states have objected to Spain’s draft bill imposing more restrictions on vaping products. The objections by Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy and Sweden have not yet been disclosed, but it is expected that they will be published within the next few weeks. The Spanish government must now address, in writing, the concerns raised by those member states. It will not be able to progress the draft bill until 28th July, when the response period ends. Among other things, the bill would regulate nicotine-free e-cigarettes for the first time.
We do not expect major changes in tobacco and nicotine policy in Portugal following the victory of Luís Montenegro and the centre-right Democratic Alliance in the parliamentary elections. Portugal is likely to maintain moderately strict measures, such as taxes on products and bans on online sales. More extreme measures, such as a flavour ban, do not appear imminent.
Israel
The Ministry of Health in Israel has warned about vaping products containing “ADB-BUTINACA”, a synthetic cannabinoid. The substance – which the authority says is dangerous, strong and addictive – was identified in a package of e-cigarettes under the brand “The Bulldog”.
United States
In the United States, a new report from Rutgers University and the New York City Law Department says that states and local authorities should bring lawsuits against distributors of e-cigarettes. The report says that despite the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorising only 34 e-cigarette products, convenience stores across the country continue to illegally stock fruit- and sweet-flavoured vapes. Noting that most illicit e-cigarettes come from China, the report reveals widespread evasion of import duties. It proposes a solution: aggressive state and local lawsuits targeting domestic distributors – the critical link between Chinese manufacturers and US retailers. The report highlights that the states of New York, California, Illinois and Vermont have already filed suits against major distributors, aiming to disrupt the supply chain of unauthorised disposables.
Cambodia News
The prime minister of Cambodia has said that the country does not want investment in e-cigarette manufacturing, even for export. Hun Sen said: “If investors come for other types of investments, I welcome them. However, for e-cigarettes, Cambodia says: ‘No need – please go elsewhere’.” E-cigarettes and other novel tobacco products have been banned in the country since 2014, and there is no sign of this policy changing.
Thailand
An operation in Bangkok, Thailand dismantled a major e-cigarette distribution network. More than 180,000 e-cigarettes and related items worth nearly THB100m ($3m) were seized from two locations during “Operation Smoke Out”. The public is encouraged to report illegal e-cigarette activities through the “Tang Rat” application and relevant agencies. Between 26th February 2025 and 16th May 2025, 2,592 arrests were made and 1,697,550 pieces of evidence seized. The number of illegal vape shops in Thailand is decreasing, the government says.
Singapore
More than 17,900 individuals were apprehended in Singapore for possession and use of e-cigarettes between January 2024 and March 2025, according to the Health Sciences Authority. Enforcement at customs checkpoints resulted in checking more than 20,800 travellers, with 101 arrests for single individuals bringing in vapes, and 91 smuggling arrests. Online platforms removed over 6,800 listings – a sharp increase from 2013.
Indonesia
The ministry of health in Indonesia wants certain digital platforms, such as podcasts, to be designated as “smoke-free areas” – meaning that they cannot promote e-cigarettes and vaping. Meanwhile, promotion of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products is already limited in other ways in Indonesia, according to a senior public health official. Advertisements cannot be placed within 500m of educational institutions, and TV ads are only permitted between 10pm and 5am.
However, the tobacco industry has won a victory in Indonesia, where the government has withdrawn its proposal to introduce neutral packaging (“plain packaging”) for cigarettes. The industry is a significant contributor to state revenue. Deputy minister of industry Faisol Reza said he had “a special discussion with the deputy minister of health so that the cigarette industry runs well”. It is unclear whether the regulation would have applied to other tobacco products, such as heated tobacco.
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