Politics & policy

The recent government reshuffle in France has introduced uncertainty over the future of the country’s nicotine pouch ban, which is set to come into force in March 2026 but could still be revised or repealed…

The proposal for a revision of the Tobacco Taxation Directive (TTD), presented to the Economic and Financial Affairs Council on 10th October, was welcomed by all EU member states, as they supported its general objectives…

Set to be confirmed within weeks as Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has not expressed support for reversing a planned heated tobacco tax rise but may push back against stricter anti-smoking regulations…

A leaked document, a working draft of the EU’s stance at COP11, has provided insight into the EU’s common position on novel tobacco and nicotine products…

Canada’s tobacco and vaping industries are calling for stronger enforcement, including reports on how the country’s laws on sales of cigarettes, nicotine pouches and vaping products are being disobeyed…

A National Cancer Institute directorship prioritising cure over prevention could mean that funding for research on the impact of quitting smoking on cancer rates is likely to be limited and the first to be dropped…

The European Commission will publish an evaluation of the legislative framework for tobacco control, including an assessment of the Tobacco Products Directive 2 (TPD2), in early 2026. We summarise the key points…

Upcoming international developments such as the EU TTD and COP11 may not directly affect the UK in the short term, but they could reshape the country’s strategy on tobacco harm reduction…

Ireland will not regulate nicotine pouches at this time, despite the products already being widespread in the market and currently being sold without restrictions since they are not specifically regulated…

The Canadian government is setting the stage for a crackdown on illegal tobacco and vaping products, putting enforcement at the centre of the next round of changes to the federal Tobacco and Vaping Products Act…

While the US Food and Drug Administration is embracing transparency by releasing full rejection letters for pharmaceuticals, it does not plan do the same for tobacco product denials…

Some EU member states view nicotine pouches as an emerging threat to public health, especially for young people. Consequently, they are bringing these products under new or more stringent tobacco regulations…

The EU’s Tobacco Products Directive might be adopted by early next year, as the European Commission (EC)’s updated public consultation website indicates a proposal is planned for adoption in the first quarter of 2026…

This year began with a major policy shift for Pakistan’s tobacco sector, when the Federal Cabinet decided to dissolve the national Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB) and transfer its functions to the provinces…

This report provides insights and analysis around the subject of single-use plastic filters, looking at both European and global developments…