Tag: news

  • Bill to Ban Flavored Nicotine in Guam Gets Short Pause

    Bill to Ban Flavored Nicotine in Guam Gets Short Pause

    Credit: Rarrarorro

    A bill aimed at prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products on Guam was withdrawn after the public hearing did not move forward.

    Due to lawmakers spending a large amount of time discussing Bill 175-37, which proposes changes to Guam’s Toilet Facilities and Sewage Disposal Act, the next scheduled public hearing for Bill 50-37 had been withdrawn by its sponsor, Sen. Thomas Fisher.

    Bill 50 sought to prohibit the sale of flavored vaping and other tobacco products on Guam, according to media reports.

    Fisher explained he withdrew Bill 50 to make changes after receiving information from the American Cancer Society.

    Fisher further intended to refile the bill immediately with the hope of having a public hearing on the bill Jan. 11.

    Last year, lawmakers in Guam proposed to impose a 10 percent excise tax on all vape products for the first year, and then raise it to 20 percent on the second year.

    Guam currently has no standardized tax regulations for what the bill describes as electronic nicotine-delivery systems (ENDS).

  • Oman Bans the Sale of Vaping and Shisha Products

    Oman Bans the Sale of Vaping and Shisha Products

    Credit: Fellow Neko

    The chairman of the Consumer Protection Authority states that a fine of up to OMR 2,000 ($5,196) for multiple violations will be imposed on anyone who trades in e-cigarettes, shisha, and their accessories in the Sultanate of Oman.

    His Excellency Sulayem bin Ali Al-Hakmani issued Ministerial decision No. 756/2023 on Sunday, January 7, 2024, creating the ban, according to media reports.

    Article One stipulates that the circulation of e-cigarettes, shisha, and their accessories is prohibited.

    Article Two states that, “without prejudice to the penal penalties stipulated in the aforementioned Consumer Protection Law, an administrative fine not exceeding OMR1,000 shall be imposed on anyone who violates the provisions of this decision, and the fine shall be doubled in the event of a repeat violation.

    “If this violation continues, an administrative fine of OMR 50 will be imposed for each day that the violation continues, provided that its total does not exceed OMR 2,000. The seized quantities of electronic cigarettes, shishas, ​​and their accessories will be destroyed in accordance with the controls in force at the Consumer Protection Authority.”

    The new bill also repealed an earlier Resolution (No. 698/2015), as well as any laws or rules that contravene the current resolution or conflict with its provisions.

    It also stipulates that the decision “shall be published in the Official Gazette, and shall be effective from the day following the date of its publication.”

  • Study Claims Freebase Nicotine Safer than Salts

    Study Claims Freebase Nicotine Safer than Salts

    A new University of Louisville study shows the nicotine in certain types of electronic cigarettes can increase the risk for an irregular heartbeat, according to a press release.

    Tests in mice showed that nicotine salts used in pod-based e-cigarettes led to heart arrhythmias and could trigger a fight-or-flight response in higher doses.

    “This suggests the nicotine is harmful to the heart and counters popular claims that the nicotine itself is harmless,” Alex Carll, an assistant professor in UofL’s Department of Physiology who led the study, said in a news release Thursday. “Our findings provide new evidence that nicotine type and concentration modify the adverse cardiovascular effects of e-cigarette aerosols, which may have important regulatory implications.”

    Researchers state that regulating nicotine salts could help mitigate the health risks of vaping.

    The research also suggests choosing e-cigarettes with freebase nicotine instead of nicotine salts, or using e-cigarettes with a lower nicotine content could reduce the risk of harm.

  • World Tobacco Middle East 2023 Sees Vape Boost

    World Tobacco Middle East 2023 Sees Vape Boost

    The vaping industry had a larger impact at this year’s World Tobacco Middle East trade show.

    Dubai has a reputation for embracing modern technology, and the vaping industry is no exception. The World Tobacco Middle East Dubai 2023 (WTME) trade show, while dominated by traditional tobacco companies, had a limited number of vapor manufacturers offering the latest mods, tanks, coils and other vaping accessories. There were several heated-tobacco companies represented, and the e-hookah category also increased its presence.

    The vaping industry doesn’t have a large presence at WTME. That is mainly due to the World Vape Dubai exhibition’s (June 12–14, 2024) growing presence and popularity in the region. Including heated-tobacco products, the electronic nicotine-delivery system segment only makes up about 10 percent of the more than 250 exhibitors. However, that is nearly double the vaping industry’s presence at last year’s WT Dubai trade show.

    WTME, held Nov. 27–28, is the largest exhibition of the tobacco industry in the region. The event features the latest trends, innovations and products from the global nicotine industry. The exhibition is also accompanied by conferences where experts and industry leaders share their knowledge and experience.

    This year, more than 5,700 tobacco professionals from more than 60 countries attended WTME, the show’s organizer, Quartz Business Media, states on its website. Quartz has more than 30 years of experience in supporting the tobacco industry. The company owns and operates a network of the world’s largest nicotine-related conferences and exhibitions, including World Tobacco Events, World Shisha and World Vape Show Dubai.

    According to Wingle Group Electronics, a data resource firm, there were several new products from the e-hookah, vapor and heat-not-burn segments at WTME 2023. Some of those highlights include:

    Vapor

    ● Shenzhen Yunxi Technology Co. showcased its new pod system, the Uwoo Binastar 5000 cartopod.

    ● Legacy Tobacco Brand International showcased new vapes under the My Bar brand: the My Bar Extra 15K disposable with a display and the My Bar Extra 18K with LED indicators of e-liquid and battery levels.

    ● Hanwha Group together with Ard Filter released the Neon Doublor pod system, a new cig-a-like product that utilizes a filter tip with a capsule.

    ● A new e-cigarette brand, Yozo, was launched. Currently, its portfolio includes three disposable models: Yozo 800, Yozo 3500 and Yozo 7500. The products were introduced in the Pakistani market in November.

    ● Vaprize introduced several new disposable models: Vaprize T18 2500 Crystal, Vaprize GM01 8000 (with a display), Vaprize VP Flat 8000 (with a display), Vaprize Type TE6000 and Vaprize 3500.

    E-hookah

    ● Chongqing Xiying Technology Co. showcased the TT Tiger Laser Shisha and TT Tiger E-Heater V8 e-hookahs. The company’s catalog also included a pod-based electronic hookah similar to the one offered by the OOKA brand.

    Heated tobacco

    ● Shenzhen Ruigu Technology Co. showcased its product portfolio and promoted the upcoming Hitaste E5 induction heating system.

    ● Gulbahar Tobacco International launched a new heat-not-burn brand, Milano.

    ● Nioo Technology Co. promoted the new IQOS Iluma-compatible tobacco sticks Heaco with an induction recipient inside the stick.

    ● BroadFar presented its new product, the Nmate Air 3.0 heating system with convection heat transfer. BroadFar is also promoting OEM of Nuso heated sticks through Legacy Tobacco Brand International. The manufacturing facility is in Indonesia.

    ● Heechi Tech presented its line of Heeсhi heated sticks designed exclusively for Heechi devices with convection heating (the company currently has several models under development).

    ● Yunnan Tobacco International showcased Ashima heated sticks. The product is promoted together with a new heating system, MyChoice.

    ● The Shenzhen Imiracle Technology Co. booth exhibited the Rejo HS40 and Rejo TS40 heating systems.

    ● Shenzhen Yunxi Technology Co. promoted the Uwoo EM induction heating system and Heabal herbal sticks.

    ● GOAT Lab, together with iRod, showcased UGare heated sticks, Joy iCod tobacco heated sticks and the iRod X3 heating system (by Smoore).

    ● COO v2 heated sticks were presented together with the MOK FWRD heating system. The device features a lock/unlock feature and a digital built-in accelerometer.

    ● Metex showcased several of its heating systems: Metex Polar, Metex PE (conduction heating system compatible with TEREA and SENTIA heated sticks; peripheral heating), Metex Arch (conduction heating technology with 2 zone peripheral heater) and Metex Phoenix.

    ● P.T. Jinjia NGP Indonesia promoted Mofee sticks for induction heating.

    ● Acmefog Commerce (Korea) promoted the Zeles M2 induction heating system with a blade-shaped susceptor, shutter mechanism, which protects the stick slot from dust and damage, and IPX5 water resistant rating (claimed), Zeles infrared heating system prototype (currently under development), CTOM ZL heated sticks, Kuanzhai heated sticks and Zelex heated sticks.

    According to WTME attendees, the trade show has helped to redefine industry standards, set new trends and shape practices in the tobacco industry. The gathering is not just about showcasing products; it’s a dynamic exchange of ideas and a catalyst for transformation.

    One of the best attributes of WTME is that the show is a place where the old meets the new, where innovation meets tradition and where discussions take place that will influence the strategies, policies and very essence of the tobacco industry, stated Maryna Gudym, business development manager for Wingle Group, in her report.

    “Almost all booths had promoters who invited visitors to taste their products or get additional information about the services they provide,” said Gudym. “World Tobacco Middle East Dubai is a great opportunity for professionals to meet, establish business connections and learn about new opportunities.”

  • Number of U.K. Vape Shops Up in 2023: Local Data

    Number of U.K. Vape Shops Up in 2023: Local Data

    The number of vape shops in the United Kingdom increased significantly last year, according to a reports in The Independent citing a survey by the Local Data Co. (LDC).

    The country currently has 3,573 specialist vape shops, 233 more than at the start of 2023. This compares with an increase of 61 shops in 2022 and a decline of 23 in 2020.

    The LCD figures exclude the numerous convenience stores, post office shops and news agents that also stock e-cigarettes and related products.

    Sales of vape products grew by £897.4 million ($1.14 billion) in 2023, according to data published by NIQ and trade The Grocer.

    The fastest growing vape brand in the U.K. was Lost Mary, which saw its sales grow by £310 million over 2022.

    The market for traditional tobacco products contracted in 2023. Sales of cigarettes and loose tobacco declined £849.1 million and £393.1 million, respectively.

    Keen to crack down on youth vaping, the government recently announced a consultation on how to protect children while encouraging adults to use e-cigarettes to quit.

    Its suggestions include restricting flavors and product descriptions that may be appealing to underage consumers, along with rules on how products are presented in stores.

    Jonne Dunne, director general of the U.K. Vaping Industry Association, said the rise in the number of specialist vape shops reflects the growing demand from smokers wanting to quit their cigarette habit.

    “Vapes are proven to be the most effective way for smokers to quit,” he was quoted as saying, adding that e-cigarettes are helping around 50,000 more smokers beat their habit every year.

  • Ispire Technology Gets ISO Certifications in Malaysia

    Ispire Technology Gets ISO Certifications in Malaysia

    Ispire Technology received ISO9001: 2015 Quality Management System, ISO14001: 2015 Environmental Management System and ISO13485: 2016 Quality Management System Medical Device certifications for its 31,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Malaysia.

    Credit: Ispire

    Ispire offers a complete line of vape cartridges, pod systems, disposables and batteries.

    “Earning three ISO certifications at our Malaysian manufacturing facility is a testament to our team’s ability to quickly bring the facility up to some of the highest standards in the industry, allowing us to expand our gross margins, geopolitically de-risk our production and service other businesses who need manufacturing for their vape hardware,” said Ispire Technology Co-CEO Michael Wang in a statement.

    “Currently, our Malaysian manufacturing facility has already received initial orders and is quickly moving into production readiness. As the facility ramps up production, our gross margin is expected to increase due to the lack of a tariff when assembling products in Malaysia and then shipping them to the U.S.

    “This is in contrast to the 25 percent tariff incurred when shipping finished products from China. Additionally, by owning the factory, we also expect to be able to realize a profit on product assembly, which was formerly outsourced to a third party. We anticipate that these efficiency improvements will help drive gross-margin growth across the company’s full array of high-quality vaping products.”

  • Study Finds Cytisine More Effective than NRTs

    Study Finds Cytisine More Effective than NRTs

    Image: molekuul.be

    Cytisine, a low-cost, generic stop-smoking aid that has been used in eastern Europe since the 1960s, increases the chances of successful smoking cessation by more than two-fold compared with placebo and may be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy, according to a new study published in Addiction. The cessation tool reportedly has a benign safety profile, with no evidence of serious safety concerns. 

    Cytisine is a plant-based compound that eases smoking withdrawal symptoms. It was first synthesized in Bulgaria in 1964 as Tabex and later spread to other countries in eastern Europe and Asia, where it is still marketed. In 2017, the Polish pharmaceutical company Aflofarm began selling it as Desmoxan, a prescription-only medicine, and Canada approved it as an over-the-counter natural health product, Cravv.

    This study pooled the results of eight randomized controlled trials comparing cytisine with placebo, with nearly 6,000 patients. The combined results showed that cytisine increases the chances of successful smoking cessation by more than twofold compared with placebo.

    The study also looked at two randomized controlled trials comparing cytisine with nicotine replacement therapy, with modest results in favor of cytisine, and three trials comparing cytisine with varenicline, without a clear benefit for cytisine.

    “Our study adds to the evidence that cytisine is an effective and inexpensive stop-smoking aid,” said lead author Omar De Santi in a statement. “It could be very useful in reducing smoking in low- and middle-income countries where cost-effective smoking cessation drugs are urgently needed.”

    Cytisine is currently not licensed or marketed in most countries outside of central and eastern Europe, making it unavailable in most of the world. At the end of January, cytisine pills are due to become available in the U.K., according to National World.

  • Court Rules FDA Sent Vapor Makers on ‘Wild Goose Chase’

    Court Rules FDA Sent Vapor Makers on ‘Wild Goose Chase’

    Image: BCFC

    Two e-liquid companies will be able to resubmit their marketing applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration following a court ruling, reports Bloomberg Law.

    On Jan. 3, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that the FDA acted “arbitrarily and capriciously” in rejecting the premarket tobacco product applications (PMTA) of Wages and White Lion Investments, doing business as Triton Distribution, and Vapetasia for approval to sell their products in the United States.

    The 9-5 decision by the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit reversed a July 2022 decision by a three-judge panel of that court.

    The agency “sent manufacturers of flavored e-cigarette products on a wild goose chase,” telling them what would be needed to approve their products, and then denying all applications, the court said in an opinion by Judge Andrew S. Oldham. The FDA “never gave petitioners fair notice that they needed to conduct long-term studies on their specific flavored products,” Oldham wrote.

    In a dissenting opinion, Judge Catharina Haynes stated that the agency “properly fulfilled its statutory mandate by considering the relevant portions of Petitioners’ PMTAs and coming to a reasonable conclusion that marketing Petitioners’ products is not appropriate for public health.”

    Oldham stated that the manufacturers dutifully spent untold millions “conforming their behavior and their applications to FDA’s say-so.”

    “Then, months after receiving hundreds of thousands of applications predicated on its instructions, FDA turned around, pretended it never gave anyone any instructions about anything, imposed new testing requirements without any notice, and denied all one million flavored e-cigarette applications for failing to predict the agency’s volte face. Worse, after telling manufacturers that their marketing plans were ‘critical’ to their applications, FDA candidly admitted that it did not read a single word of the one million plans.”

    In an X post, Michael Siegel, a professor at Boston University School of Public Health, stated that the ruling “exposed” the FDA’s wrongful rejection of applications for flavored vapes, ultimately resulting in a “win for public health.”

    Eric Heyer, a lawyer for e-liquid makers Triton Distribution and Vapetasia LLC, said he was pleased with the ruling and hoped it would lead the FDA to make “a significant course correction by communicating with specificity” what companies must do to get approval.

    “No principle is more important when considering how the unelected administrators of the Fourth Branch of Government treat the American people,” Oldham wrote, apparently likening executive branch agencies such as the FDA to a separate branch of government. “And FDA’s regulatory switcheroos in this case bear no resemblance to square corners.”

    It is expected that the FDA will seek a review of the decision by the Supreme Court of the United States, however, the justice department hasn’t made an official announcement.

  • Vaporesso Garnered More than 130 Awards Last Year

    Vaporesso Garnered More than 130 Awards Last Year

    Vaporesso announced it won more than 130 international and authoritative awards from several industrial organizations and media outlets.

    In 2023, China-based Vaporesso, one of the largest open-system vaping hardware manufacturers in the world, received recognition from media outlets such as Ecigclick, Vapouround and VersedVaper, winning more than a dozen best international brand awards.

    “This achievement marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey to become a global leader in the sector of open-system vaping devices,” the company announced in a statement. “Through consistent efforts in research, development, and customer satisfaction, the brand has garnered recognition and acclaim for its high-quality products and cutting-edge technology.”

    Vaporesso also won several professional international design awards, including the MUSE Design Awards, the German Design Awards, the London Design Awards, and the French Design Awards.

    In addition, several of the brand’s innovative products, such as the XROS 3 series, LUXE X series, ARMOUR, and Vaporesso COSS, have won numerous authoritative media awards. Notably, COSS, won a Golden Leaf Award for Innovation during the Global Tobacco and NIcotine Forum (GTNF) 2023 held in Seoul, Korea.

    “These numerous awards represent not only Vaporesso’s remarkable achievements but also its contributions to the overall growth and advancement of the industry. Vaporesso remains true to its original aspiration, believing that actions create the extraordinary,” the release states. “It’s committed to adhering to its three core brand values of innovation, reliability and style.”

  • New McKinney Specialty Labs to Test Vape Products

    New McKinney Specialty Labs to Test Vape Products

    Willie McKinney

    Jan. 1, 2024, marked the official launch of McKinney Specialty Labs, a scientific organization with expertise in testing nicotine and other aerosolized products.

    “We are excited to announce the launch of McKinney Specialty Labs and to offer our scientific knowledge and regulatory expertise to support the growing market of inhalable products across different industries,” said Willie McKinney, CEO. “We believe that our commitment to science, quality, innovation and customer service makes us a preferred aerosol testing provider for companies of all sizes.”

    McKinney Specialty Labs provides a wide range of testing and consulting services to ensure that product quality and performance are maintained throughout the life cycle of the product: chemical analysis, physical testing, microbiological testing, toxicology testing and regulatory compliance.

    McKinney Specialty Labs employs nearly 100 experienced scientists and technicians with expertise in aerosol science, analytical chemistry, toxicology and regulatory compliance. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and adheres to strict quality standards.