News
Federal Law Raising Tobacco Buying Age Causing Confusion
The new US law raising the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years has been causing confusion for businesses as retailers and state health departments have so far received little guidance on the law and its enforcement. Read more
Indian Tobacco Board Celebrates
The Indian Tobacco Board, which is committed to tobacco cultivators’ welfare, celebrates its formation with awards to farmers and traders. Read more
Reduced Nicotine Cigarettes Authorized for Sale by FDA
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the marketing of two new tobacco products manufactured by 22nd Century Group Inc. – Moonlight and Moonlight Menthol, which are combusted, filtered cigarettes with reduced nicotine. Read more
UK to Ban Menthol Cigs
All menthol and skinny cigarettes, as well as rolling tobacco, will be banned in the UK beginning in May to comply with an EU Tobacco Product Directive. Read more
Partial Flavor Ban for E-Cigs
The US government announces a countrywide ban on mint and fruit flavors that are offered in cartridge-based e-cigarettes. Read more
BAT Predicts Revenue Growth
British American Tobacco PLC is projecting a strong finish to fiscal 2019, bolstered again by Reynolds American Inc. revenue, in a second-half guidance update released recently. Read more
Smoking Lowest Ever in US
According to a new report published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking among US adults fell to its lowest recorded level in 2018: 13.7%. Read more
Court Fines PM US$40M
A Thai court fined the local unit of Philip Morris for customs violations on cigarette imports while dropping criminal charges against seven of its employees. Read more
Shenzhen in Limbo as US Vape Concerns Grow
Chinese manufacturers of e-cigarettes and e-liquids are facing challenging times as the effect of growing health concerns related to vaping in the US and Beijing’s recent directive banning online sales or promotion of e-cigarettes and vaping start. Read more
International Cigar Expo Gets Great Start
The first ICE attracted more than 80 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, showcasing cigars, accessories, cigar tobacco, cigar media, retail, and other product categories. Over 5,000 people visited the exhibition during the two days. Read more
Altria Launches iQOS in US
Altria Group Inc. introduced its heat-not-burn product, iQOS, to the market, five months after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave IQOS the greenlight in the United States. Read more
China Online E-Cig Shut Down?
China’s State Administration of Markets and State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, published a notice on their websites, saying the regulator "urges e-cigarette producers, retailers, or individual sellers to temporarily close online sales websites." Read more
US to Ban all Flavors Except Tobacco and Menthol
The US is reportedly moving ahead with plans to ban all flavored vaping products other than those with tobacco and menthol flavors. Read more
An FDA First: Endorsing A Less Harmful Tobacco Product
The US Food and Drug Administration has, for the first time, endorsed a brand of tobacco pouches as less harmful than cigarettes. This marks the government’s first backing of a reduced-risk tobacco product. Read more
2019 China International Cigar Expo Takes Place Nov.21-22
The 2019 China International Cigar Expo will be taking place at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center with more than 50 domestic and foreign enterprises. Read more
Asia’s First for Plain Packaging
Thailand has become the first country in Asia, and 16th in the world, to roll out plain packaging. Read more
New Record for InterTabac 2019
InterTabac has set a new visitor record with 13,800 guests this year. Approximately 42% of the visitors came abroad, including from the US, China, Chile, South Africa, Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Turkey. Read more
PMI/Altria Merger Up in Smoke
Philip Morris International has called off talks about a US$200 billion merger with Altria Group, Inc. Read more
Vapers Turning to Cigarettes
E-cigarette users are now turning to cigarettes to help them quit vaping. Some are former smokers who switched to e-cigarettes, and some are taking up cigarettes for the first time. Read more
BAT to Cut 2,300 Jobs
British American Tobacco will cut 2,300 jobs as it creates a “more efficient, agile, and focused” company as it shifts away from traditional cigarettes to new products. Read more