In New Zealand, attention towards the vaping industry is growing, particularly with regard to protecting young people. Starting June 17, 2025, new rules under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 come into force, introducing significant restrictions on the sale and promotion of vaping products. One of the most notable changes is the complete ban on disposable vaping devices. These products—long scrutinized by health authorities for their environmental impact and strong appeal to minors—will no longer be allowed to be sold or distributed in the country. In addition, [...]

Extended Producer Responsibility (REP) is an environmental principle recognised by the European Waste Framework Directive, (EU Directive 2018/851) which gives producers financial and/or organisational responsibility for the prevention and management of waste from their end-of-life products. In France, this principle translates into a system where producers must finance or organise the collection, treatment and recycling of the products they place on the market. The system is regulated at national level by the French AGEC (anti-waste) law of 2020. SOGGETTI COINVOLTI: manufacturers online retailers (either directly through their own site or [...]

Starting from January 2025, Israel requires graphic health warnings on vaping products, including e-cigarettes and e-liquids. The new regulation, announced by the Israeli Ministry of Health, follows the example of other countries that have already introduced strong visual warnings on alternatives to traditional tobacco products. According to Israeli health authorities, the use of impactful images can serve as an effective deterrent, particularly for minors, by increasing awareness of the health risks associated with e-cigarette use. The requirement includes shocking images similar to those already found on traditional cigarette packs, [...]

Panama’s Ministry of Health has announced the entry into force of strict regulations aimed at governing e-cigarettes and vaping products, with the goal of protecting public health, especially that of young people. According to the announcement, the new regulation imposes severe restrictions on the sale, import, and advertising of vaping devices, including both nicotine and non nicotine containing products. The measure explicitly bans the use of appealing flavors and heavily restricts the promotion of these products, particularly through social media and online platforms. The Ministry justified the decision by [...]

The Lithuanian Parliament has recently passed a new set of laws that significantly tighten tobacco control measures, including regulations on e-cigarettes and vaping products. This move is part of a broader national strategy to reduce nicotine use among youth and safeguard public health. Key elements of the new legislation include: A full ban on flavours in e-cigarettes, with tobacco being the only permitted flavour. Restrictions on sales of vaping products near schools and youth-frequented areas. Stricter advertising rules, especially online, to prevent youth-oriented marketing. Lawmakers emphasized that sweet and [...]

The French Parliament has recently voted unanimously to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes. The decision, passed with 104 votes in favor and none against, highlights France's commitment to reducing environmental harm and protecting public health. Disposable devices have gained popularity among young people thanks to their sweet flavors and low price, but they have also sparked public debate due to their high usage rates among minors and their environmental impact. As single-use products, they generate significant amounts of electronic and plastic waste, which are difficult to recycle properly. [...]