Tennessee plans to implement strict management of the electronic cigarette industry, including a 10% tax, the establishment of a state-level product registration system, and the prohibition of products that are not approved by the FDA. Small retailers believe that this will lead to 99% of products off the shelves, and may even face closure.
Key points:
1. Tennessee proposes to introduce strict regulatory standards for the e-cigarette market.
2. Opponents say the bill could shut down small vape retailers.
One U.S. state proposes a tax on vapes and registration limits
According to Euractiv on March 3. Dutch Health Minister Vincent Karremans reported an open letter criticizing the European Commission’s decision to delay legislation on new nicotine products, saying it is harmful to public health.
After the European Commission excluded tobacco-related legislation from its 2025 work plan. The Dutch minister urged EU Health Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi to take “decisive” action to protect young people’s health.
Given the rapid changes in the market for tobacco and nicotine packs, it would be harmful to delay the revision of EU tobacco control legislation.
The Dutch minister cited the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) with its advertising and tax-related amendments and directives and said these proposed amendments should be adopted by 2025. Belgium and Latvia share this view. The original TPD includes both traditional tobacco products and new tobacco products such as vapes and heated tobacco. However, it does not include new products since the enactment of the act, such as oral nicotine packs, which do not contain cigarettes.
The Dutch minister also stressed the need for the EU to impose stricter restrictions on new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine packs, as new products emerge, such as taste, maximum nicotine content, and simplified packaging. Currently, only eight national members implement simplified packaging laws, mainly for traditional tobacco.
The Netherlands, Belgium, Irelan, and Finland extended these rules to all tobacco and nicotine products. If it applies to new tobacco products, it means that these products will be subject to the same EU restrictions. However, Greece and Italy are opposed to this.
The Dutch government also wants the EU to establish a legal framework for cross-border remote sales of new tobacco products to avoid customers avoiding Chinese restrictions. The letter specifically mentions social media outreach as a major issue as well. The health minister called on the EU to strengthen cooperation with platforms to remove any content aimed at selling or promoting tobacco and nicotine products, especially to young users.
