1.U.S. FDA Issues 11 Warning Letters to E-Cigarette Manufacturers and Retailers

On September 13, the U.S. FDA issued six warning letters to six e-cigarette manufacturers and retailers, accusing them of selling/distributing unauthorized e-cigarette products at industry trade shows. The FDA also sent five warning letters to online retailers, accusing them of selling unauthorized e-cigarette products, including brands like Breeze, Mr. Fog, and Raz.

The FDA stated that over the past year, it has conducted inspections of retailers to identify those selling unauthorized e-cigarette products. So far, the FDA has issued over 690 warning letters and taken more than 140 civil penalty actions against violating retailers.

 

2. European Commission Urges Crackdown on E-Cigarettes

On September 17, the European Commission released a new "Smoke-Free Environment" recommendation document for adoption by the 27 EU member states. The Commission urged member states to adjust their laws to include e-cigarettes in existing smoking restrictions and implement new regulations on the use of e-cigarettes and combustible tobacco in public places. In addition to e-cigarettes, the recommendations also cover heated tobacco products, regardless of whether they contain nicotine.

Currently, no European country has implemented a total ban on e-cigarettes, but eight EU countries have passed laws banning most e-cigarette flavors, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia (effective in 2025), Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. Another member state, Spain, recently completed public consultations on proposed flavor restrictions.

 

3. Thailand Seizes Illegally Smuggled E-Cigarettes Worth Over 160 Million Baht


Recently, Thai customs officials, police from the Central Investigation Bureau, and officials from the Ministry of Public Health raided a container at a port in Samut Prakan province, seizing nearly 400,000 illegally smuggled e-cigarettes, e-cigarette accessories, and pods, with a total value exceeding 160 million baht. Officials stated that they will expand the scope of the raids to track down potential illegal warehouses in Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani provinces.

 

4. South Korea's E-Cigarette Tax Revenue Grows 19.2% in 2023


According to Korean media reports, thanks to the growth of the e-cigarette market, South Korea's e-cigarette tax revenue in 2023 increased to 759.7 billion won, a 19.2% increase compared to 2022. It is understood that South Korea imposes a tax of 628 won per milliliter on nicotine e-liquids and 897 won per 20 sticks on solid e-cigarettes (heated tobacco).

 

5. UK Authorities Seize £1 Million Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes in Manchester


On September 16, local time, the Greater Manchester Police, the Home Office, and the Salford City Council conducted a joint operation, seizing approximately £1 million worth of illegal counterfeit e-cigarettes from a vape shop in Manchester. When law enforcement officers entered the shop, they noticed a hidden door leading to a brand-new room, where the illegal e-cigarettes were concealed.