Global Wave of Restrictions Continues in January 2025
Explore the new and significant regulations on e-cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine.
AFRICA
January 15 – Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast: Government adopts decree extending public place smoking ban to vaping and THP
The Ivorian Council of Ministers adopted a Decree (not available online) that expands the current ban on smoking combustible tobacco products in public places to include “new tobacco products,” a category encompassing vaping devices and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
What happened in January? Check out the new and impactful regulations on e-cigarettes and nicotine.
AMERICAS
January 13 – United States (Indiana and Nebraska)
US-Indiana: Bill proposes generational ban on tobacco and nicotine product sales
A Republican member of the Indiana State Senate introduced a bill that would ban the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to anyone born on or after June 30, 2004. The measure has been sent to the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services for study; it would then require approval by the full Senate, the General Assembly (lower house), and the governor’s signature to become law.
US-Nebraska: Bill introduced to regulate products containing nicotine analogs as tobacco and nicotine products
A Republican member of Nebraska’s unicameral legislature presented a bill subjecting products containing nicotine analogs to the same regulatory framework as tobacco and nicotine products. It defines analogs as substances with a chemical structure or effect on the central nervous system “substantially similar to or greater than that of nicotine.” If approved by the entire legislature and signed by the governor, it would take effect on January 1, 2026.
January 15 – United States (New York)
US-New York: Bill proposes banning the sale of tobacco and nicotine products containing WS-3
A Democratic New York State Senate member introduced a bill banning the sale of tobacco and nicotine products that contain WS-3 (N-Ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide). Notably, the bill does not regulate synthetic cooling agents such as WS-23. The initiative has been referred to the Senate’s Assembly Committee and would require approval by the full Senate, the State Assembly, and the governor to become law. (source)
January 16 – United States (Federal and Massachusetts)
US-Federal: FDA opens consultations on proposed rule limiting nicotine in cigarettes to non-addictive levels
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a Proposed Rule limiting the maximum nicotine content in combustible tobacco products (excluding HTPs) to “0.70 milligrams (mg) of nicotine per gram of total tobacco.” Under the proposal, the reduction would take effect immediately rather than gradually. The public consultation will remain open until September 15, 2025, and the FDA will also refer the proposal to the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee while considering “additional opportunities for public engagement.” If approved, the FDA suggests the rule become effective two years after the publication of its final version.
US-Federal: FDA authorizes nicotine pouch marketing – the first official marketing approval for this product category
The FDA also granted marketing authorization for 20 ZYN-branded nicotine pouch products via its Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) process, marking the first official approval for selling this type of product in the US. The authorized products come in two nicotine strengths (3 mg and 6 mg per pouch) and various flavors (cinnamon, citrus, and menthol, among others). The FDA noted that these products contain significantly lower amounts of harmful constituents compared to cigarettes and most smokeless tobacco items, thus posing a reduced risk of cancer and other serious health issues. According to the agency, the products “have the potential to provide a benefit to adults who smoke cigarettes and/or use other smokeless tobacco products that outweigh the risks, including those to youth.” (source)
US-Massachusetts: Bill proposing a generational ban on tobacco and nicotine product sales
A Democratic member of the Massachusetts State Senate introduced a bill to prohibit sales of tobacco and nicotine products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2006. The text has been referred to a Joint Committee for review. If approved by the Senate and House of Representatives and signed by the governor, it would take effect on January 1, 2027. (source)
January 18 – Mexico
Mexico: Government gazettes Decree banning vaping products and THP
The Mexican Government published in the Official Gazette a Constitutional Decree enabling a ban on producing, distributing, and selling vaping devices and “similar devices” (understood to include HTPs) nationwide. Effective from its publication date (January 18), the Decree grants the Mexican Congress 180 days to “harmonize the legal framework” with its content, while the country’s 32 state legislatures have 365 days to “make the necessary regulatory adjustments.”
January 20 – Brazil
Brazil: Parliament Committee approves Bill strengthening country’s ban on vaping products and THPs
Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies (lower house) Industry, Commerce and Services Committee approved a bill prohibiting the use and the “manufacture, import, marketing, distribution, storage, transportation, and advertising” of vaping products and HTPs in the country. Since 2009, under Resolution RDC No. 46/2009, the sale and import of these products have been banned in Brazil; this ban was reviewed and upheld in 2022 and 2024. The bill now needs approval from both houses of the Brazilian Parliament. Official news (in Portuguese)
ASIA
January 24 – Uzbekistan and Hong Kong
Uzbekistan: Lower house approves Bill banning import and sale of vaping products, moves to Senate
Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber (lower house) approved at second and third reading a Government Bill (the latest version is not available online; original version here) that would ban the sale, import, and manufacture of vaping products and e-liquids in the country. Some amendments were introduced during the committee phase. The bill now moves to the Senate (upper house) for review; if approved, it “enters into force on the date of its adoption” (LexUZ).
Hong Kong: Government planning to roll out ban on vaping product possession
Hong Kong’s government plans to propose banning the possession of vaping devices and their refills, beginning in “public places” and later extending “citywide.” This measure was initially proposed in June 2024 by the Hong Kong Medical and Health Bureau, alongside other measures such as banning flavored tobacco, introducing standardized packaging, and adopting “full tobacco hazard warning packaging” for these products. Additional information (in English)
EUROPE
January 14 – Latvia
Latvia: MP from governing coalition suggests banning disposable vaping products
Līga Kozlovska, a member of the Latvian Parliament representing the Union of Greens and Farmers Party (a junior partner in the governing coalition), reportedly proposed introducing legislation to ban the sale of disposable vaping devices in the country.
January 15 – Austria
Austria: Government reviewing draft bill regulating nicotine pouch sales, nicotine limits, warnings, and advertising
The Austrian Ministry of Health has reportedly submitted a draft government bill (not available online) to the Council of Ministers that would subject nicotine pouches to the same restrictions as tobacco products. This would include limiting sales to tobacconists, introducing an unspecified nicotine cap, requiring health warnings on packaging, and restricting advertising. If the government approves, the text would then be submitted to Parliament for debate and potential enactment.
January 17 – Netherlands
Netherlands: Government gazettes Order requiring plain packaging for vaping products from July 1
The Dutch government has published a General Administrative Order requiring plain packaging for cigars and vaping products starting July 1, 2025. The specific details of the measure, including packaging requirements for each product type, will be defined in a future Ministerial Regulation. Official source (in Dutch)
January 18 – Poland
Poland: Government to review draft bills regulating nicotine pouches, nicotine-free vaping products, and a THP flavor ban
Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna stated that by the end of January, the Council of Ministers would review a draft bill introducing a regulatory framework for nicotine pouches and nicotine-free vaping products, classifying them as “tobacco-related products.” Among other measures, the bill would ban advertising, prohibit sales to minors, outlaw distance and online sales, and subject these items to rules on ingredient purity and additives. It would also set a 20 mg/g nicotine limit and require 30% text health warnings on pouches.
While a previous draft included provisions for potentially banning flavored nicotine pouches (except tobacco flavor), it is reported that these were removed at ministers’ request in December. If approved by the Council, the text would go to Parliament, entering into force 14 days after publication, with grace periods of up to six months for specific sections.
Separately, a draft bill (not available online) would introduce a ban on characterizing flavors in heated tobacco products (HTPs) alongside health warning requirements, as mandated by an EU Delegated Act. If approved, it would also need parliamentary ratification to take effect.
January 21 – Luxembourg, Poland, and Finland
Luxembourg: Government prefers regional action on disposable vapes over unilateral measures
The Luxembourgish Ministry of Health stated that “a ban solely targeting disposable vapor products [in Luxembourg] would have limited effect,” emphasizing that a supranational approach covering all types of vaping products would be “more coherent” in addressing this challenge. Source (in English)
Poland: Government adopts draft Bills regulating nicotine pouches and nicotine-free vapor and applying THP flavor ban
The Polish government approved a draft bill drafted by the Ministry of Health that would classify nicotine pouches and nicotine-free vaping products as “tobacco-related products.” Among other measures, the initiative banned their communication and sale to minors, distanced sales, and subjected them to rules on ingredient purity. A 20 mg/g limit would be imposed for nicotine pouches, and text health warnings would be required on at least 30% of the packaging. The text must be notified to the European Commission and subsequently approved by Parliament to enter into force.
Separately, the government adopted regulations banning the sale of heated tobacco products (HTPs) by characterizing flavors and requiring health warnings, which aligns with an EU Delegated Act. A nine-month grace period from their date of entry into force will apply. Government sources (in Polish) banned communication and sale to minors, as well as distance sales, and subjected. (source)
Finland: Government notifies draft Decree introducing plain packaging and health warnings for nicotine pouches
The Government of Finland notified the European Commission of a draft Decree that would impose plain packaging and text health warnings on nicotine pouches. The document is part of the measures in a bill notified in November 2024, which would ban flavors other than menthol and mint, set a 16.6 mg/g nicotine limit, prohibit online sales, and introduce licensing for retailers. The European Commission’s standstill period, during which the Union and member states may raise objections, ends on April 22, 2025. If approved, the provisions would enter into force on the “20th day of the month” in which it is published, with a one-year grace period. Notification to the European Commission (in English)
January 22 – Ukraine
Ukraine: Government agency urges swift regulation of nicotine pouches
The Ukrainian State Service for Food and Consumer Protection (a government agency) met with the Ministry of Health, MPs, and other stakeholders to discuss regulating nicotine pouches. During the meeting, they emphasized the need to expedite the passage of a private member’s bill introduced in October 2024, which would impose a 20 mg-per-pouch limit and require health warnings covering 50% of the packaging. “Our primary task is to regulate at the legislative level the circulation or nicotine content in pouches and exercise control over them… The matter must be resolved immediately to protect citizens’ health,” the agency said. Official release (in Ukrainian)
January 23 – France and Lithuania
France: Deputies table amendment to Social Security Bill to “ban nicotine pouches”
Deputies from the governing coalition introduced an amendment to the Social Security Financing Bill (2025) in the National Assembly (lower house) seeking to “ban nicotine pouches, in line with the announcements made by the Minister of Health” in October 2024. The bill, approved by the Senate (upper house) on January 23, initially included Senate-introduced amendments to regulate these products by setting a nicotine cap and imposing an excise tax. The new amendment aims to remove those provisions and impose a total ban. A mixed committee will meet on January 30 to seek consensus, and the National Assembly may debate and vote on the resulting text the week of February 3. Parliamentary information (in French)
France: Joint Committee approves amended version of Bill banning disposable vapes
A Joint Committee of the French Parliament, composed of deputies and senators, approved a modified bill that bans the manufacture, marketing, distribution, and supply of disposable vaping devices. The text defines disposables as products “pre-filled with a liquid and which cannot be refilled, whether or not they have a rechargeable battery,” a definition intended to anticipate future technological innovations. The Senate is expected to examine the text during the second week of February. Source (in French)
Lithuania: The Ministry of Economy is awaiting Government instruction on drafting a Bill legalizing nicotine pouches and herbal heating products
A spokesperson for Lithuania’s Ministry of Economy confirmed that drafting a bill to legalize and regulate nicotine pouches and herbal heating products was delayed due to the “change of political power in the country” following the October 2024 elections, when a center-left government led by the Social Democratic Party replaced the previous center-right coalition. The Ministry is awaiting “a political decision” on the scope of the text to present the final version to the executive. Source (in English)
January 24 – Ireland
Ireland: Newly-formed Coalition proposes regulating vaping packaging and flavors and banning disposables
Center-right parties Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have agreed to form a Coalition Government following Ireland’s November 2024 General Election and have published a draft Programme for Government that includes commitments to regulate further vaping products that Fianna Fáil initially made in their election manifesto. These include “wide-ranging restrictions on vaping, including packaging, flavors, point of sale advertising, and a ban on disposable vapes.” The proposals must be drafted into a Bill and passed by the Irish Parliament to take effect. (source)